WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, AND REALLY

PART 2:  MARY

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, AND REALLY...  It seems there are always questions to be asked.  And so it is with the Christmas Story. 

MARY - LUKE 1:26-39

In Galilee, in the town of Nazareth, Mary was all excited about being betrothed to Joseph.  She was still living in her father’s house, but that would cease when the processional walked her to the house of her groom.  Then the betrothal would become a legal tie and the marriage would be consummated. 

This young virgin saw her future as being very traditional ....  until Gabriel delivered another message. 

“Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you.”  Mary was greatly troubled and wondered.  At least she was not gripped with fear like Zechariah.  Gabriel must be used to people getting a bit afraid when he appeared, because he immediately calmed her by saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”

I can almost see Mary taking a deep breath and allowing her body to relax, until she heard, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”

Was her mind swirling...a baby?  ”He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Then the question came:  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

As I read this, I am ready for another “I AM GABRIEL” moment.  It doesn’t come.  Instead, he proceeds to calmly tell Mary what will happen and that Elizabeth is to have a child in her old age. 

What did I miss?  How come Zechariah got in trouble for asking a question and Mary didn’t?  They were both asking the same question: How is this going to happen?  Why?  Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed and prayed for a child.  When the angel said their prayers were being answered, Zechariah questioned how this could be.  He was questioning God’s ability to answer their prayers.  Mary had no idea how this could physically happen and was asking an honest question, not doubting God.

BUT that was the last question Mary asked.  Mary listened.  Mary answered:  “I am the Lord’s servant.  May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Then the angel left her.  I can picture Gabriel, looking lovingly at Mary, and slowly fading away, leaving Mary to comprehend all that had happened.

A popular question: If you could sit and eat with any person dead or alive, who would you pick? My answer is Mary.

I would love to ask her how it felt to hear the words: you have found favor with God.  I want to know what she did when the angel left.  I want to know where she found the strength to immediately agree. 

Aren’t we like Mary?  Mary was highly favored.  News Flash!  We — every one of us — are highly favored by God.  HE MADE US...He made you...He made me. 

Mary had the honor of giving birth to the Son of God.  What honor has God bestowed on you?  “I am the Lord’s servant.  May the honor you have given me be fulfilled.”  Do you have the strength and faith to say you are a servant?

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, AND REALLY...  It seems there are always questions to be asked.  And so it is with the Christmas Story. 

WHAT changed Joseph’s mind?  (December 18, 2020)

WHAT happens when you find him?  (December 25, 2020)

WHY – if they were so wise – did the Wise Men have to ask for directions?  (January 1, 2021)