Friday, December 24, 2010

She only asked, "How?"

As I was reading the Christmas story tonight, I noticed a beautiful piece of the story that I often have overlooked, and that is Mary's reply to the angel. When the angel appeared to Mary, she only asked “But how can this happen?" (Luke 1:34).

"The angel replied, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.[b]”

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true."


She redefined trust. She was reminded that she can do anything through her God, and she simply trusted that it would all transpire. The birth of Christ continues to show the world he will overcome our fears and worries, and sustain our futures as the Lord said he would.

My prayer is that we can all remember Mary's prayer that eve, over 2000 years ago, and know it holds words that communicate undisputed love for the Savior of the world....

Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.

How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

For he took notice of this lowly servant girl,

and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One is holy,

and he has done great things for me.

He shows mercy from generation to generation

to all who fear him.

His mighty arm has done tremendous things!

He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.

He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.

He has helped his servant Israel

and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors,

to Abraham and his children forever."


Luke 1:46-55 NLT