Young Woman of Courage
By Patricia Lamb
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Scripture: Luke 1: 26-38 The Annunciation
I googled Angel Gabriel and Mary and only one of the first 36 images that came up portrayed a realistic Mary seated with a water jug beside her, as though she had just stopped to rest from her chores. The Angel Gabriel didn’t have huge wings and a sword, just dressed in white robes with a shimmer around him.
Mary’s doing her daily chores, most likely dreaming of her life with Joseph. Is it any wonder that she’s troubled and confused by the sudden appearance of this being who said “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” The people of Israel had waited generations for the promised Messiah. Mary didn’t have any expectation that God’s time was now. What amazes me is the courage of this young woman to listen.
And when the next thing out of his mouth is “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you.” You know there’s something really hard going to happen when you’re told to not be afraid. But Mary listened. And the Angel tells her wonderful things about a son she will conceive. All of which is lovely, but there’s a practical side to Mary who asked “How will this happen since I haven’t laid with a man?”
Gabriel’s answer is stunning. “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son…. Nothing is impossible for God.”
The Jewish people had one God Yahweh and many prophesies for Immanuel and a Messiah. This is so much more. In this moment Mary hears the full character of God: God the Holy Spirit, God the Most High, and God the Son.
And she replied “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Mary didn’t fully understand the how, but she had faith and trusted that nothing is impossible for God.
Mary wasn’t some meek and mild teenager sitting around with her hands folded waiting for an Angel to appear. She was a young woman of courage and practicality who, while going about her daily chores, encountered an angel. Although not understanding fully, this ordinary person brought hope to the world through her limitless faith in God.
Oh, to be ordinary like Mary.
An Advent Benediction
Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you, scatter the darkness from before your path, and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, upon those whom you love, and those whom you would pray for today and always. Amen.
How down to earth....love your descriptive use of "ordinary" for Mary, Jesus's earthly mother.
ReplyDeleteThis scripture underlines just how must God loves us. His Son...born to an extra"ordinary" woman.
Well said, Patricia!
ReplyDelete