“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:26–28, NIV84)

 

In the sixth month of the impossible but real pregnancy of the old woman Elizabeth, God did something even more impossible. This time He sent the angel Gabriel to a young virgin girl named Mary. Mary was an ordinary young lady who was engaged to be married to her beloved Joseph. The important thing was that they were both from the lineage of king David. You see, the Messiah had to be a descendent of David.

 

So here we are. The Lord was about to do something really big. Listen carefully to the message Gabriel shared with Mary. “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”  An angel who stood before the throne of God said to this ordinary young lady that she was favored. Not favored among fellow mankind but favored by the Lord God Himself–so favored that the angel assured her that the Lord was with her. He was by her side.

 

Today, I want to remind you that you are equally favored. It was through Mary that Jesus (the Messiah) was born into the world so that He might redeem and save you. When God sent Gabriel to Mary with this amazing greeting, He had you on His mind. The love and favor He has for you is the same as He had for Mary. God loves you! He created you, redeemed you, and promises to be with you always.

 

As you contemplate this special moment for Mary, contemplate also the many special moments God has created in your life.

 

Peace!

 

 

Pastor Tom