This greeting from the angel Gabriel completely rocked young Mary’s world. Yes, she was deemed “Highly Favored” by the Lord. And yes, she would be blessed far above all other women throughout all generations. And, yes, just as the angel instructed, Mary rejoiced.
But I wonder, as Mary rejoiced, did she agonize over the possibility that Joseph would cast her aside as unfaithful? As Mary pondered her condition in her heart, did she ponder how on earth she could perfectly parent a perfect child? As she fully trusted Gabriel, did Mary realize that alongside the blessings of raising and nurturing the Christ-child would come more heartache than any mother should ever be called upon to bear?
The godly attributes of Mary are unparalleled. I cannot help but marvel at her immediate acceptance of who God called her to be. It is evident that Mary’s faith and trust in following God’s amazing path trumped a long list of questions and answers that would have diminished her trust in God and placed her trust in self.
“Let it be to me according to your Word,” was Mary’s trusting reply to the angel who had just turned her simple little life upside down.
Father God, may we strive to emulate the complete trust in your plan that Mary showed with Gabriel those many years ago.
Blessings and may your Christmas be filled with placing complete and confident trust in God’s plan for you.
Rita Cochrane
How many men do any of us know that would be as humble and trusting as was Joseph? He cared enough about the young lady to whom he was espoused to consider putting her away *privately* (i.e. not to put her to a public shame or cause her to be stoned), but when the angel spoke to him by night, he was more than willing to accept Mary as the righteous mother of the child Jesus.
Would to God that more men today could love that much and trust their wives to be faithful instead of putting them away for imaginary sins.