Mary's Favor

Every time I read the story of Mary and angel Gabriel I try to imagine what it must have been like. A very young woman of Nazareth, a virgin, finds out she is to bear a child. But, not any child, Jesus, the Son of the Most High, the Son of God! No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to put myself in such an honored position.

Mary had to be very special. Twice, Gabriel calls her "highly favored" by God. Mary was no ordinary girl from Iowa. Her entire young life must have been dedicated to God's service. She was worthy of being chosen by God for this holy endeavor. Yet, Mary wondered how this could happen to her, a virgin.

"The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God...For nothing is impossible with God," (Luke 1:35-37 NIV).

What faith Mary had to respond, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said," (Luke 1:38 NIV)!

There was only one Mary, mother of Jesus. She was truly honored to be the vessel through which God Himself came to earth, to walk with us, to teach us, to show us the way to salvation through Him. Only one mother of Jesus suffered the loss of her Son by crucifixion on the cross, so that we might have eternal life with God in heaven. Only Mary received favor that led to such a painful burden of loss, until He rose again. Such joy, such heartache, such favor.

"O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. 

For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love, O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. 

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still The dear Christ enters in. 

O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel." (O Little Town of Bethlehem, Phillips Brooks, 1868, and Lewis H. Redner, 1868).

May we anticipate the arrival of our Lord, Emmanuel, Christ Jesus, Savior of the World, with song in our hearts. May You abide in us today, we pray. Amen.