“’I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered, ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38.
During this Christmas season, I’ve been reflecting some on Mary’s response to God. She faced incredible adversity, considering her situation. Being a young, single teenage girl, Mary understood the severity of becoming pregnant outside of being married. She was betrothed to Joseph, which meant that they were in the year of waiting, leading up to the week of wedding celebration. Her relationship with Joseph was jeopardized, and she was confronted with this dilemma – be ostracized, and possibly killed by stoning, by the citizens of the town, or obey God. In a flash, Mary humbled herself, saying that she would submit to and obey what was said to her by Gabriel.
I must confess that I have had a difficult time embracing a similar attitude as Mary seemed to display. She exhibited true submission of her own will and understanding to the will of God and true humility in releasing her will into His hands. “May it be to me as you have said.” Mary stated. Amazing! I wonder how difficult it was for her to do this. As you take time in this season packed with wonder, please reflect on the courage it took for this poor, single, teenage girl to submit to God’s will nine months prior to the Son’s birth. It would be easy for me to say the same words as Mary as I gaze through my stained-glass, religious glasses, yet she spoke these words in the heat of the moment.
Questions to consider: In the moment, how difficult would it be for you to respond as Mary responded? When you’ve faced adversity, what was your first response? Did you sense God’s leading within the tough times? How did you obey His leading?
Prayer: Father, I desire to be one who says the same words as Mary, yet I know that I come up so short. Please help me to find the grace and humility to submit my will to Yours as You gently speak to me and guide me. Amen.
I hope that each of you, with your family, have a wonderful – a season full of wonder – Christmas!
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