“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favour with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
For the word of God will never fail
Luke 1:30-33;37 (NLT)
As we come to the final Sunday of advent, reflect on the journey we have been on over the past few weeks.
Today, as we come to terms with just how different Christmas will be this year, I am reminded of Mary, the mother of Jesus. A woman, a girl who carried the Saviour of the world. In Luke, we see just how terrified Mary was. In those days, Mary would have faced the prospect of not only the loss of any social status or marriage, but death for getting pregnant outside of wedlock. Yet, despite her fear, she was obedient to the calling that God placed on her life and through great fear came great joy.
It can be difficult to find reason for joy this Christmastime because the festivities, the togetherness we usually experience, has been cancelled but the birth of Jesus has not. How do I know this? Because God’s word never fails. He never breaks His promises. His love for us has not changed, and He is forever faithful.
In the quietness that we find ourselves in this Christmas, take time to celebrate His birth with your loving heavenly Father. The One who sent His Son. The Son who brings great joy, great love, great peace, and great hope. Out of great fear came great joy.
Take time today to reflect.