The Message-Advent #2

The Message
Luke 1:26-38 (English Standard Version)

26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

34And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"
35And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. 36And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God." 38And 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.

Have you ever felt honored and humbled all at the same time? From the first words of Gabriel’s message to the end Mary was informed that an impossible event was about to fall on her. She had been chosen to carry the Holy Son of God. How overwhelming, especially for such a young girl!

Every parent knows how huge the task is. How do I make sure this child is healthy? Am I feeding him enough? Is she getting enough tummy time? Is he sleeping too much? Is he sleeping too little? I’m sure Mary had all of these questions and more.

But Gabriel also offered words of assurance.
“The Lord is with you.”
“He will be great.”
“Nothing will be impossible with God.”

The message Gabriel poured into Mary was one of an overwhelming task surrounded by an almighty God.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples.” Our task is overwhelming. Our minds and hearts fill with questions. Where? How? When? But Jesus goes on to say “I am with you always.” This is not a task we figure out on our own. It is a lifestyle that happens while walking with our Lord and Savior.

What is the message you hear God telling you this Christmas Season? Whatever God is calling you to this season do not forget the Almighty God is with you.

Prayer-
Our Father,
Our lesson today is a link in the chain of promise. It assures us that we, too, have a job to do. While our task may seem overwhelming we are reminded that You are with us. Just as You prepared Mary for her task, You have prepared us for ours. Thank you for the tasks. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your assurance that you will “never leave us or forsake us.” Thank you for your promise to return for us soon, maybe today.

We humbly pray,
AMEN

(prayer written by Rev. Orville Harvey)