The Annunciation
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgins name was Mary. He went in and said to her, “Rejoice, you who enjoys Gods favour! The Lord is with you.”
Luke 1: 26 – 28.
Saying Yes to God
The Annunciation is an amazing account of God’s intervention into the world through the mysteries, powerful yet simple conversation and presence of an angel with young Mary in Nazareth. I try to imagine being in the room when she responds, “You see before you the Lord’s servant; let it happen to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).
Wow, I find myself overthinking these words and grab at the how, what, where, when questions whilst running on adrenalin plotting and scheming about the implications.
· How is this possible
· What does this mean
· Where is this to take place
· When…WHEN?
The challenge is not to overthink these words but rather just let them be spoken for me, for you. To quote Henri Nouwen “Mary is so open, so free, so trusting. She is completely willing to hear words that go far beyond her own comprehension.”
Mary hears the words from Gabrielle she does seek clarity but does not doubt what God has call.
· She is scared but does not withdraw
· She uncertain yet has faith
“How can this be”, how can this be possible… only Mary has or ever will hear the words “The Holy Spirit will come upon you”.
This Christmas let’s meditate on Mary’s response, and may it be our response to the Holy Spirit’s nudge when God has something for us to live out.
Prayer
Life-giving God, we thank you for calling Mary to be the mother of Jesus.
In a world where men were in control, you chose a young girl to nurture the Saviour of the world.
In a world where power is sought, you turned our values upside-down by inviting Mary to share in the great work of redemption.
We thank you that still you can call women and men to share in your saving actions.
You call us to live and serve in the ways of Christ, uncertain of the future but trusting in your faithfulness.
Sometimes your choices surprise us, the way you seem to point daunts us, your faith in our possibilities awe us.
Help us to say “Yes” when you call. Enlarge our vision, strengthen our resolve and increase our sense of your all sufficient grace, that we might be used mightily for your glory and for the serving of the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Patterns and Prayers Christian Worship)
Photo by Bethany Beck on Unsplash