Jesus' Birth Announced

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REFLECTION

Mary’s Faith

by Elaine Pierce

I've often thought that the phrase, "Mary was greatly troubled at the angel's words and wondered what kind of greeting this must be", is one of the many understatements in scripture (another one is "Jesus was hungry," after fasting 40 days and 40 nights). Most scholars believe that Mary was a young teenage girl. We know that she was engaged to Joseph the carpenter, who was descended from King David.  

If an angel came to me and started off the conversation with "Greetings! You are highly favored," I think I would be awestruck, terrified, and quite honestly, a little suspicious. And when I heard the angel's message - that as a young virgin, I would be giving birth to the savior of the world, I don't know if there are enough words to describe what my reaction would be: disbelief, horror, anger - those would be for starters.

And yet, Mary took it all in. Yes, she questioned: "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel assures her that "nothing is impossible with God," and Mary responds with great faith: "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."  

And when she met her cousin, Elizabeth, her faith was affirmed as Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized that Mary was carrying a very special child indeed, and she praised her faith: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Have you ever had a hard time believing that nothing is impossible with God? What keeps you from trusting him? Mary shared her news with a trusted friend who affirmed God's plan for her. Do you have such Christian friends in your life? As we spend time in the word, He will reveal his plans for our lives. They may not be as dramatic as being the mother of the Savior of the World, but they are plans to glorify him and enjoy him forever. Ask him to lead you. Pray for the Holy Spirit's direction. And accept wise counsel from those who also follow him. Remember, we are the Lord's servant, and His way leads to wholeness, healing, peace, and joy.  

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

SUNDAY - PEACE - Blessed are the Shalom-makers, for they shall be called the children of God. We confess that we have all sinned and fallen short of your glory, O God. We have broken the peace and wholeness of your good world. Forgive us, lead us, and restore us. Reform us into peacemakers instead of peace-breakers.