Imagine Mary hearing the angel’s stunning message! How would you respond? Mary, probably still a teenager, responded with initial fear, deep humility, amazing faith, and joyful obedience.
In Luke chapter 1, we see she was afraid when Gabriel told her of God’s plan (vv. 29-30), and she probably feared what her community would think. She knew she was not important (vv. 48, 52). Yet, she had visionary faith that God’s plan would impact generation after generation (vv. 50, 55)! She rejoiced in the privilege to serve and obey (vv. 38, 46-47), as Elizabeth also noted (v.45): “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
Around the world, teenage women and men by the millions are obeying with similar amazing faith. In India, many commit to Jesus because, like Mary, they are stunned and overjoyed to learn that God invites poor people to work with Him!
They are feeding people, praying for healing in Jesus’ name, helping other poor people – and multiplying new disciples and churches.
This Christmas, we say with Mary (vv. 46-47): “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”
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