December 12 A Savior

  Luke 1:31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

MARY’s mind is certainly going many different directions! An angel from God comes to her. She’s been addressed as “highly favored”. She is amazed. She is uncertain. She’s terrified. Then she gets more of the message. What she hears is the answer to what every Hebrew female likely had wondered, “Will it be me? Will I be the one to give birth to our Savior?” That’s what “Jesus” means—Savior. Gabriel, the angel, just told Mary through the baby’s name that she will give birth to the Savior. Think of this. I’m in awe God would come to earth through a woman’s’ womb. Can you imagine the incredible awe Mary experienced?

          What would you do? I think about what it’s like when we receive really good news. Our emotions soar especially if the news is the answer to a long-held question or if the answer is a release from worry or concern. There’s a “warmth” of release, a good feeling inside as you experience the glow of God’s hand upon you. And likely you say, “Thank you, Father, for this answer to my prayer.”

          Yes, Mary has much to consider and to process in her heart, mind and soul. But one thing she does know, she is truly “highly favored”.  Her heart is moving from a fear of God into receiving the comfort of God’s hand gently resting on her. God has, indeed, favored her with his eternal gift.

          Truly there is comfort and pleasure to know in your soul that God’s love graciously guides your life. Mary worshiped God. She knew about him. And now she is coming into a very, very close relationship to know him with all her heart, mind and soul. She will need God’s comforting hands many times in the future. She will be at the mercy of accusations from Joseph and their families. She will endure the long physical trip to Bethlehem, and the flight to Egypt. Her heart will mourn at the threats against her son as he debates the Pharisees and horribly goes to the cross.

          But then, she will experience God’s true intimate comfort! Joyfully, Mary will experience the favor of her risen Lord and Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, born of a virgin to be the perfect Lamb of God. Crucified to be a sacrifice for her sins. Risen to be her conqueror over death. Ascended to be her Lord forever.

          Certainly a Savior has been born – to Mary, to Israel, and to all the world.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your Savior. In Jesus’ blood we gratefully pray in thanksgiving and joy. Amen.