Listen:
Luke 1:26-29, 31
When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
“Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.”
Consider:
This short passage can pack quite a punch if we consider the “ask” of Mary from a human feelings perspective. Confusion feels like an understatement for what Mary must have felt…of course she wants to do God’s will but that includes WHAT? Wanting to do God’s will comes with a big risk for Mary! Wanting to do what is right and what is asked of her came paired with a heavy dose of “Are you kidding me?”, I suspect…
This type of tension is something we all experience in our walk with God:
We want God’s attention, God’s “favor” but not always the disruption that comes with it. The leap of faith that is required to get past the very human feelings of uncertainty and fear feels too big sometimes. God’s calling may lead us into unfamiliar places, unexpected responsibilities, or plans we never imagined for ourselves.
But our FAITH and our HOPE are the very things that generate in us the sense of courage to trust God’s path and do those things which sometimes push us into uncomfortable new territory. We never go it alone.
Respond:
What requires bravery and a leap of faith for you today? Where might you need to find courageous faith like Mary? On this Christmas day, take a moment to read this piece of God’s story with eyes on the calling that invites us into the uncomfortable but Holy spaces God calls!
Pray:
Loving Lord, we know that your Word is living, breathing, ever changing as we encounter it at different times and in different places. When Your calling unsettles us, remind us of Your presence. Help us respond like Mary—with trust that You will accomplish what You promise. Fill our fear with faith and our uncertainty with Your peace. Amen.
