The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, for you have found favor with God.” Mary would need that comfort—because God was laying on her one of the hardest tasks any woman could do, becoming mother to Jesus.
Even then, Mary must have known something of how difficult it would be. Her Son would be the Messiah, the promised King—and there is no king who lives an easy life, without opposition. She may not have foreseen His ministry, the hardship, the suffering, the cross—but she knew there would be suffering. But God’s grace, God’s favor, would uphold her.
God’s grace and favor uphold us too, as we trust in Jesus and serve Him in our lives. We know there will be suffering—what life avoids it?—but we have Jesus, our Savior, who upholds us and keeps us every day of our lives. How could we not trust Him, when He loved us enough to die for us—and to rise again?
WE PRAY: Lord, when I am afraid, let me trust in You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Was Mary the kind of person you’d expect God to choose for the mother of the Messiah?
* Explain your reasoning.
* Jesus has chosen you to be His own through faith. Does that surprise you? Why or why not?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.