Hi
What are some of your favorite aspects of the Christmas story; and are there lessons you’ve gleaned from them? Consider today’s Holy Nougat
“Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you! ”” Luke 1:28 NLT
I sometimes wonder what Mary had done prior to Gabriel’s visit. The moment doesn’t always last for long; and it is usually mere curiosity. Today however, I am more than a little curious. Gabriel’s greeting is not the typical greeting from God that we encounter in the Bible. Moses saw a bush and had to discover Who was the Source by himself. Balaam might have died before realizing Who was before him. And even Hagar, another woman whose unique encounter with God is recorded, does not get greeted like that.
True, the circumstances were different. No two ways about that.
Our impressions of God – framed throughout the Bible – assure us that God doesn’t offer platitudes or trite sayings. For God’s words are ever true. Thus, when Gabriel named Mary among God’s blessed and favorites we can presume that that was intentional.
From the little we know of Mary we glean that she was not afraid of speaking her mind. She asked the angel about the Promised pregnancy without hesitation. She understood the purpose of her call – to the extent that her words continue to speak truth to power and comfort the oppressed. Mary didn’t seem fearful in Gabriel’s presence (there were no ‘fear not’ statements; it was just ‘hello’). She didn’t seem to be a hoverer; but she was concerned about her son’s welfare. And despite her awareness of Jesus’ status; when there was a crisis – Mary took charge and called on Jesus to assist. We also realize that Mary was attuned to God’s timing.
I don’t know whether those are factors that caused Mary to be the beneficiary of God’s favour; but those are traits we may wish to emulate. May we also find favour in God’s sight in how we live each day.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
