WEEK TWO
December 6 - December 12
THE VIRGIN OF NAZARETH
The angel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin of Nazareth changed the world forever. Chosen by God the Father to bear His Son by the Holy Spirit, this humble young woman willingly agreed to mother the Savior of the world. Though little is said about Mary in the pages of the New Testament, what is revealed makes it clear that she was a worthy follower of Christ. As the first Christian, Mary’s servant heart epitomizes what it means to be a true believer. 

Sunday, December 6

Scripture: Luke 1:37-38
And the angel answered her. . .“For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

HANDMAIDEN OF THE LORD

Fear, or puzzlement, affects some people differently than others. When what looked like an extraterrestrial being appeared to Zacharias as he was on duty in the temple, his immediate response—after overcoming his terror, was to be skeptical. The angel was bringing wonderful news about a child to be born to Zachariah’s as-yet childless wife. This would be no ordinary child, but a prophet like Elijah of old.

But rather than being overjoyed, Zachariah asks, “How shall I know this for certain?” You almost sense his up-raised eyebrow. The angel’s response is, in effect, “Perhaps you don’t know who I am.” And after explaining what a big mistake Zachariah had just made, the angel strikes the grumpy priest mute until the foretold promise becomes reality.

That same angel—angels aren’t always named in Scripture; this one is—comes to Mary. The message is similar, but more shocking. Gabriel brings promise of a child whose birth would defy biological science and accepted cultural practice. The angel says Mary would become the mother of the Messiah of Israel. Luke the physician and historian (writing like a journalist) says Mary is troubled. But he doesn’t use the word fear, as he did with Zachariah, and Mary seems more confused than afraid. It’s the greeting, rather than the news itself, that gives her pause. The angel had called her “favored one.” And he’d said the Lord was with her. Those two elements seem big to this young, unmarried girl.

Mary had every reason to be as skeptical as Zachariah. She does, as Zachariah did, ask a question. But it comes from a very different place in her mind and soul. Mary believes. But she wants more details, asking, in effect, “so, how is this going to work?” Her question brings not condemnation but an answer. This would be a God thing. She was the chosen one to bear the holy child, and it wasn’t so much about Mary as about what God had long been planning. Interestingly, the Holy Spirit is mentioned as part of this birth process—an involvement much like the birth of the church some 33 years later.

God doesn’t mind questions—if they’re asked by people who genuinely want an answer. Scripture tells us our questions to God must begin with some basic ground-rules, not unlike in any relationship. Mary had faith; Zachariah (ironically, a priest who should know better) did not. And “without faith it is impossible” to please God, the writer to the Hebrews tells us. “Because anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (11:6)

Perhaps Mary had lingering questions about what “highly favored” meant. Tradition suggests she was from a poor family; her home was a rural village. Was the Lord really with her? As the angel departs, the answer wells up within her like a flood. And she responds with these words: “Behold I am the servant of the Lord: let it be to me according to your word.”

PRAYER
Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak. And may the prayer of my heart always be, make me a servant today.
Amen.
(Kelly Willard)

Michael Longinow, Professor of Journalism