Today is traditionally recognized as Annunciation of the Lord as it is about nine months prior to Christmas Day, December 25. We will return to our journey through Matthew tomorrow, though if you are following the track to read all the gospels during Lent, you will begin Matthew today.
Luke 1:26-38 | Isaiah 7:10-14 | Gospels in Lent Track: Matthew 1-3
Mary’s story is remarkable, indeed. The story delivered from her womb, even more so.
It might feel weird to many to consider part of the Christmas story in March, nine months before Christmas begins. But think about it: God’s work is often a small and unknown seed planted way before the plant shows forth, let alone before fruit is harvested and enjoyed.
What might God be up to in your life, home, community, or church that you don’t yet know about?
Luke 1:26-28
When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.”
Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I haven’t had sexual relations with a man?”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son. Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was labeled ‘unable to conceive’ is now six months pregnant. Nothing is impossible for God.”
Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Isaiah 7:10-14
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign from the Lord your God. Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.”
But Ahaz said, “I won’t ask; I won’t test the Lord.”
Then Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Isn’t it enough for you to be tiresome for people that you are also tiresome before my God? Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.
Prayer1
God,
Humble us Mary-like before the cross of your Son, our Lord, Jesus of Nazareth, so that through the Spirit we may be joined in the one body, the Church, thus becoming your one mighty prayer for the world.
Gracious God, whose grace terrorizes and sustains us, we pray for courage as we begin this course. Invade our lives, robbing us of fear and envy so we might begin to trust one another and in the process discover a bit of the truth.
In this serious business grant us the joy and humor that comes from your presence.
And for your sake, save us from being dull.
Amen.
Adapted from Stanley Hauerwas out of Prayers Plainly Spoken.