Scripture: Luke 1:26–38
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 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.”
‘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 1:26-38
Carol: O Little Town of Bethlehem
“Over 2,000 years ago, on a night the world has come to call Christmas, a young Jewish maiden went through the experience countless mothers had before her, and would since: She brought forth a child. But this was no ordinary child. This was the unique Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins (Matthew 2:11).” Billy Graham
Mary’s purpose is revealed not through ambition, but obedience. Her simple words — “Let it be to me according to your word” — open the door for God’s redemptive work in the world.
O Little Town of Bethlehem reminds us that God’s greatest purposes often unfold quietly. Mary does not fully understand the cost or outcome, yet she trusts the One who calls her.
Purpose in the Christmas story begins with surrender, not certainty. God entrusts His plan to a willing heart.
Prayer:
Lord, help me trust Your purpose even when I don’t see the whole picture.
