26 In 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.
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He 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,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke 1:46-49 (ESV)
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
It might seem strange to bring up a Christmas narrative during Holy Week; but March 25 is the celebration of Mary's conception - nine months before Christmas.
When the angel Gabriel came to visit Mary he declares that She is "favored" - literally "graced". The foundation of all that God does with us begins there - our own "birth" of faith is by grace. Let's remember that the foundation of believing is that we also are "favored", "graced" by God and he comes to us in Jesus and gives us his grace to be birthed in our own faith.
The announcement to Mary is filled with amazing statements:
- Jesus is the Son of the Most High God
- Jesus is the heir of David's throne
- Jesus is the one who reigns over all Israel
- Jesus' Kingdom is established now and will be forevermore.
- Jesus - His name is HOLY.
It all begins with God's heart - to redeem his people, to redeem us, to restore His creation.
That's why this day, nine months before Christmas, fits well in Holy Week.
Peace
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