WEEK FOUR | DAY TWO
“But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” —James 4:6
After years of seeming silence, the coming of the Messiah was foretold again. When the angel visited Mary (Luke 1), his greeting troubled her. “Highly favored”? Who was she to be highly favored? He then told her about the Son she would conceive. It seemed too fantastical. Understandably, the young virgin asked, “How will this be?” The angel reassured her: this was not something to fear. He promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, assuring her, “For no word from God will ever fail.”
This was God’s Word, God’s work, God’s grace. In that moment, Mary embraced her true identity: “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:45).
And oh, how thoroughly she embraced her role and her God! Take time today to read and reflect on Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55.
Mary moved from “Why me?” to glorifying God and claiming, “Holy is His name.” She moved from considering her own personal circumstances to acknowledging God’s presence and power from generation to generation. She accepted and rejoiced in her place in history, in the grand story of the ages.
Today, we sense that the longing and waiting of Advent is almost over. The long-promised Savior has nearly arrived! We who know He has come, as we await His return, join the humble recipients of God’s great grace. With Mary, we puzzle, “Why me?” and “How can this be?” Then we step back and see the grand story. We remember He performs mighty deeds, lifts the humble, feeds the hungry, is merciful and keeps His promises. “For no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37).