“What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.’ Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:36-38 (NLT)
Today we lit the fourth candle on the advent wreath. The candle symbolizing love.
How Mary loved God!
She gave her life to bear God’s son.
She says, “I am the Lord’s servant.
May everything you have said about me come true.”
Mary couldn’t foresee the pain she would endure in being
Jesus’ mother. But she did understand
the trials she would face when her family and the community she lived in
realized she was pregnant.
Despite her uncertain future, she gave up plans she had for
her life to follow God’s plan. She loved
her God.
And how God loves us!
How Jesus loves us! He gave up
his kingdom in heaven to come to earth as a helpless child. He grew up and endured scorn, ridicule, hatred,
suffering, and death for us.
Jesus gave up His life because He loves us. How do we respond to a love that runs so deep
it surpasses our understanding?
You can respond by choosing to ignore Jesus and deny His
existence. Or, you can respond with
love. Love for Jesus and love for God.
And here’s the cool thing…love is contagious! When you respond to God with love, you find
yourself responding to people all around you with love, too.
Mary responded to the angel with love and sacrifice. Jesus responded to us with love and
sacrifice.
Christmas Day is just a few days away. How will you respond to the helpless baby
lying in a stable?
“The angel said to
her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb
and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne
of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of
His kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary
asked the angel, ‘But how can this happen?
I am a virgin.’ The angel
replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you. So the baby to be
born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has
become pregnant in her old age! People
used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.’ Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come
true.’ And then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:30-38 (NLT)
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