Rejoice, highly favored one...

Luke 1:30 "Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."

During this "season" I was thinking about our Messiah's mother, Mary. How do we prepare for the Holiday season? Is our focus on the lights, trees, decorations, dinners, programs at church?

My mind came to this passage of scripture this morning. While meditating on this short verse and thinking about how Mary must have felt when the Lord chose her to give birth to our Messiah. I was astonished to realize how scary that must have been to such a young girl. Mary according to Jewish tradition must have been in her early teens.

The verse says "you have found favor with God." Favor means approving consideration or attention. Mary was looked upon by our God with much love and kindness. This is the God of the universe who chose Mary for this incredible moment.

I understand by the passages of scripture that she was a woman with extraordinary Godly character with an unusual faith in God. She was a faithful servant.

Don't we want to be like Mary? With obedience to our Savior. A faith that is unmovable. An inspiration in service to others. Accepting God's will for our lives without any questions.

She is an inspiration to me as I continue my daily walk with Christ. I want to have that servants attitude. I want to have that faith established in my heart that exemplifies itself even when I can't see or understand a situation I am in. I want to obey my Savior and His will for my life when it doesn't make sense. Ultimately I want to portray that Godly character that speaks even when I am gone from this earth and in my Savior's arms.

Mary's life will not impact yours if first of all you have never recieved the Messiah that she gave birth to. The Son of God. Have you asked Him; Jesus, Emanuel, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords to forgive you for your sins? Have you repented; that is turned away from your sins, and believing that you are a new creature? If you are saved; are you living a life of Godly character?

Romans 12:1 says, "I beseech your therefore brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable, to God which is your reasonable service."

Vs. 2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Mary, the favored one and loved by God, has taught me something very special. I need to obey our Messiah and leave all the consequences to Him. Our Messiah does not require us to understand His will, just obey it, even when it seems unreasonable.

I trust that we will always relfect on Him, our Savior and King! Reflect on Mary's complete obedience and faithfulness. His celebration of His birth should lead us to remember most importantly to His resurrection. Remember, He lives!

Mary, a true woman of Faith. Are we?

Luke 1:37 and 38 "For with God nothing will be impossible" Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

In Him...Elaine

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