Mary’s Extraordinary Moment
The Christmas season is a time of nostalgia and connection. The familiar traditions, laughter, and even the chaos remind us of the beauty of gathering with loved ones. But beneath the surface of these festive moments lies a deeper truth: God came to dwell with us—mess and all. The Christmas story isn’t about perfect scenes or ideal circumstances; it’s about a Savior who entered the brokenness of humanity to bring hope and healing.
Consider Mary’s journey. Life as she knew it changed radically with the angel Gabriel’s announcement. She faced uncertainty, social stigma, and a future filled with unknowns. Yet, amidst this upheaval, Mary responded with trust. Mary was at peace because she’d made her home in God. Her peace didn’t stem from her circumstances but from her faith in the One who called her.
That same God extends an invitation to each of us. Through the birth, the life, and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, God has made it possible for us to make our home in Him and for Him to make His home in us. This profound truth reminds us that no matter where life takes us, God’s presence remains our ultimate home.
But what does it mean to embrace God’s favor? It’s easy to think we must earn His love through our actions or achievements. Yet the reality is beautifully simple: God’s favor is based on WHO HE IS, not WHAT WE DO. His grace is a gift, freely given to all who are willing to receive it.
Mary’s story serves as a powerful example. She was an ordinary young woman with no special credentials, yet God chose her for an extraordinary purpose. Mary’s life offers us a beautiful picture of what it means to trust and surrender fully to God. Her willingness to say "yes" to God’s plan changed the course of history and brought salvation to the world.
And here’s the amazing part: God doesn’t require perfection. He doesn’t wait for us to have all the answers or to be in the perfect place spiritually or emotionally. God doesn’t ask for perfection—all He asks for is a willing heart. Like Mary, we are called to trust Him with our lives, even when the path ahead is unclear.
This Christmas season, what is God asking you to say yes to? It might be a step of faith, a relationship that needs mending, or a dream He’s placed on your heart. God has a purpose for your life—one that begins with a simple “yes” to Him today.
As we reflect on Mary’s journey, may we find the courage to trust God fully. May we experience the peace of knowing that our true home is in Him, and may we magnify His name through our faith, our joy, and our willingness to follow wherever He leads. Saying yes, one step at a time, can lead to a life beyond what we could ever imagine.