December 4 – Gabriel and Mary
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”
34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?”
35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38
Gabriel Visits Mary – A December 4 Devotional (Luke 1:26-38)
Yesterday, we saw when Gabriel visited Zechariah. The Angel who spends all his days and nights in the presence of the Living God has come to earth to deliver a series of messages.
In today’s passage, Gabriel visits a young girl in one of the most important times of her life. How excited she must have been, engaged to a righteous and respected man in the community! She is looking at a future that is bright and beautiful, just on the cusp of the best time of her life.
Favored Woman
In this moment in Mary’s life, Gabriel arrives on the scene. And what does he call her? Favored woman.
That seems like a really sweet greeting and such an honor. However, how does Mary react? She is “deeply troubled” and wonders about what it could mean.
Mary’s Intuition
I have read this passage hundreds of times in my life, but I have never thought about the fact that in view of what would come in her life, she was completely justified in being deeply troubled.
As the mother of Jesus, Mary would experience awe and wonder at being chosen to be the mother of the Son of God, but she would also endure heart-crushing grief and pain as her beloved Son was arrested, tried, tortured, and crucified.
Don’t Be Afraid
Gabriel encourages her not to fear, because she has found favor with God. He saw her and chose her to be the vessel that would bring the Savior of all creation to the world.
But, that did not mean that her life would be easy or pain-free. Being chosen, called, highly favored, and overshadowed with the Holy Spirit does not guarantee a “walk in the park” life. However, through her obedience to God, the entire world was changed.
God-Designed Support System
Gabriel also tells Mary that her cousin Elizabeth (Remember Zechariah and Elizabeth?) is pregnant with a miracle baby. Mary has a built-in support system in Elizabeth. They can share the joy of God’s design for their lives, the highs and lows, joys and sorrows.
Nothing is Impossible with God
Gabriel then says one of the most inspiring lines in history.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
With God, nothing is impossible. Nothing means nothing. Nothing that seems overwhelming and hopeless is impossible.
“See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38
Mary’s response – belief. Simple, heartfelt belief that what Gabriel said was true. That God favored her. That with God, nothing was impossible. Whatever you want, God, I will do.
December 4 Devotional Action Step:
Reading this caused me to think, “What is there in my life that God is calling me to do that I have dismissed as impossible, too painful, or scary?”
Let’s do a heart check to see if we are holding back from God’s full plan for our lives. Is there anything that terrifies us, or seems completely beyond our reach, or feels like it might hurt too badly in the future?
Like Mary, let’s make our response: May it happen to me as you have said, God.
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to hear Your call and Your message. Nothing is impossible with You. Please help me believe that with my whole heart. Give me courage to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Access to the other posts in this series and the free printables for this December can be found at the Series Overview page. Come join me as I pursue the peace and joy on the Savior’s birth throughout the month of December!