If you've been reading along the past 6 weeks, these two verses may look completely different to you than they have at past Christmas celebrations. We almost skip over these lines to get to "the good stuff," but these two sentences are filled with good stuff, if we know how to look.
Remember the prophecies and psalms. We're looking for a Savior/Messiah who will save us from the penalty of our sins. God has given us clues to recognize this person when he is born. Now, some of the clues are coming up. First, Mary is a virgin. The Savior/Messiah will be born to a virgin. Second, Joseph is a descendant of King David. The Savior/Messiah will be a descendant of King David. Finally, they live in Galilee. Galilee will be the place who has seen a "great light." Three prophecies in two sentences...not bad.
The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 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." (Luke 1:28-33 NIV)
Now, we have an announcement to Mary that her child will be the Savior/Messiah. Mary knew what the angel was saying. Reigning over Jacob's (Israel's) descendants forever is part of the job description for our Savior/Messiah. His is the only kingdom that will never end. (One more prophecy added. Sweet.)
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on 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. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:34-38 NIV)
I would imagine that knowing the prophecy of a virgin birth would be quite different from living it out. Mary had the distinct pleasure of living out the fulfillment of a prophecy for nine months. God was going to work through her to save all nations.
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" (Luke 1:39-45 NIV)
I don't know why Mary went to Judea to spend time with Elizabeth. Maybe she was worried that no one would understand. Maybe she was concerned Joseph wouldn't understand. Maybe she just wanted to be with Elizabeth since God instant messaged Mary about both pregnancies. Maybe she just wanted to be around another mom-to-be. Whatever the reason, Elizabeth encourages Mary to receive God's blessing. She simply needs to believe the Lord's promises to her.
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors." (Luke 1:46-55 NIV)
Like any good musical, Mary breaks into song. (Okay, you could argue that it's poetry if that's your fave.) In either case, it is clear that Mary is accepting God's blessing. She is ready to be the fulfillment of a 700-year-old prophecy. She was ready to be the mom to our Savior/Messiah.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. (Luke 1:56-58 NIV)
Mary wasn't the only one who accepted God's promises and received them as blessings. Elizabeth gave birth to a son in her later years of life. Many people would consider that a "trial" or "difficulty" to endure. Elizabeth, however, considered it a blessing. Not only that, she mentored Mary to help her see her virgin pregnancy as a blessing, too.
How about you? Do you see God's promises as a burden or a blessing? Do you accept God's will in your life as a blessing? Do you have joy in all circumstances?
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