There's Something About Mary

Wouldn't you like to have met her?

Mary’s place in the Christian narrative is set as firm as anyone’s. We’re grateful to her for her example and willingness. She keeps the story human and yet demonstrates remarkable possibilities all in the same moment. Her character demonstrates all of a remarkable confidence (see Luke 1:46-55), no fear of wondering, and the capacity for suffering.

It really is no wonder that she is the mother of Jesus.

Luke 1:26-33

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.”

Isaiah 40:1-5

“Comfort, comfort my people!” says your God. Speak compassionately to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her compulsory service has ended, that her penalty has been paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins!

A voice is crying out: “Clear the Lord’s way in the desert! Make a level highway in the wilderness for our God! Every valley will be raised up, and every mountain and hill will be flattened. Uneven ground will become level, and rough terrain a valley plain.
The Lord’s glory will appear, and all humanity will see it together; the Lord’s mouth has commanded it.”

Prayer

God,

Humble us, Mary-like:
Give us that same humility that also bears confidence in your hand of deliverance. Give us a willingness to serve and a forbearance to do it over the course of time. Help us to magnify you in all we do, that our lives might echo the song of your faithfulness. Teach us to trust in your promises, even when they seem distant, and to rejoice in your presence. Grant us the courage to say “yes” to your calling, even when the path is unclear. And enjoin in us to treasure your work in our hearts as we walk in obedience. Shape our lives into vessels of your grace, bearing witness to your mercy and love for all people.

In the character of Mary,
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.