Scripture
28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Reflection
Growing up in a Taiwanese family, I would often hear my parents greeting others in the Taiwanese community with the usual phrase: “lí-hó! lí chia̍h pá bōe?” (Hello! Have you eaten yet?).
In today’s passage teenager Mary is greeted with a rather unusual greeting. Up to that point Mary did not know that it was the prelude of the fulfillment of prophecies of old. Although Mary had a unique and higher calling, because of what was proclaimed over her life as a result of Jesus, rings true to our lives as well:
– Through Christ we’ve been highly favored.
Ephesians 1:4-6
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
– The Lord is with us.
Matthew 28:19,20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Mary’s reaction when she heard such proclamation over her life showed surprise and humility. As we approach Christmas Day, let us receive these words in humble adoration to the One who made it possible. Through Christ we’ve been highly favored. The Lord is with us.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Today, take a moment, wherever you are, to PAUSE in God’s presence. Find a spot where you can stop and be quiet for a minute.
