Can you imagine the shock of having an angel of the LORD appearing to you on an otherwise mundane day, to inform you that God has chosen you to give birth to the Messiah? Most of us would collapse in shock, arguing that this 'angel' is a nut and that 'why would God choose me, I am nobody.'
Mary wasn't a member of the elite with supernatural abilities...rather she was a young girl, a virgin, ordinary and run of the mill by society's standards. God once again uses the ordinary and unexpected to proclaim His Glorious Message. Why? Because God values each of us as his children, and as a shepherd guards is flock, even the least among us is precious to him.
Mary is a virgin, yet engaged to a righteous man named Joseph. She has prior commitments, the world is turning and to suddenly be broached with the heavy task of carrying the Christ child, is daunting, even for the most righteous and extraordinary of persons.
God's purpose is always just, even if it seems 'crazy' by our world standards. When God calls us to action, no matter how cumbersome the task might be or treacherous the path, we cannot allow our preconceptions and worldly priorities to stand in the way. We need to accept our role as Christian servants, trusting that God's providence is far wiser than our short-sighted vision.
It resonates that God chooses to work through the ordinary. It is a testament of his love, grace and wisdom. God doesn't prioritize his sheep by their worldly accomplishments but their faith. When we lack faith, he calls us to experience faith in unexpected ways, confronting us with dilemmas and tasks - that can only be fulfilled in the ordinary by the extraordinary nature of our all encompassing God. Those who are full of faith, are called to roads, even they would rather not cross, yet God works in the difficult, strange and hopelessness of the world to bring peace in mercy.
Mary is an example for us all to follow. When receiving her commission, she questions not with fear, but an active willingness to listen to the call of God. It isn't that Mary isn't astounded by the miracle and strange proclamation that she will carry the Messiah in her virgin womb...yet she understands that God is holy and can do extraordinary things. She is willing to be God's servant, even with the fear, questions and doubt, she is willing to trust God's path for her...
Luke 1: 26-38
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[a] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[b] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”[c]
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
In advent, awaiting the birth of Christ, let us ponder in our hearts as Mary did, God's message and be willing to listen to his call, in if it makes us uncomfortable, afraid, forcing us to step outside our boundaries of understanding...Let the gift of the Holy Spirit be upon you and pray for discernment that you will be guided by the Holy Spirit...
One of my favorite passages in the Bible and prayer service is the Song of Mary, 'Magnificat.' It is an active reminder that we are God's own, He loves us and the birth of Christ is a fulfillment of love and a new hope. God doesn't judge by our standards, he hears the cries of the lowly and works to bring light to the darkest of places.
Luke 1: 46-56
"And Mary said, "My south magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts, He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise hi made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
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