“Just Say Yes”

Oftentimes, when most of us read the Christmas story, we focus wholly on the miraculous event that took place in the stable that night long ago. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, and the amazing account of God’s love for the world becomes the center of our attention. Rightfully so! Have you ever considered the Christmas story from Mary’s unique point of view?

Mary was just a young girl – a princess in God’s Kingdom like you or me – dreaming of and planning her upcoming marriage to Joseph. On a day like any other, as she was going about her business, an angel suddenly appeared to her and said, “…Rejoice, highly favored one; the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28 NKJV).

Seeing she was frightened, the angel went on, “…Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31 NKJV).

Mary asked, “…How can this be?” Essentially asking how is this going to happen? Gabriel responded, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you….For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:34, 35, 37 NKJV).

To my amazement, Scripture records Mary’s response, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 NKJV).

What a brave and powerful statement! Mary displayed such perfect submission and agreement with the will of God. I don’t know if I could respond like that. I might have said, “Let me think about it for a few days, Gabriel, and I’ll get back to you.” I mean, come on – stop and think about her situation!       

Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. How could she ever explain to her fiancé that she was pregnant? Who would ever believe such a story? I imagine her telling Joseph, “Honest! An angel came to me, the Holy Spirit overshadowed me, and now I am pregnant with God’s Son, the Savior of the world!” Joseph would surely refuse her, the wedding would be cancelled, and her reputation would be ruined forever; or worse yet, she could be stoned to deathfor being unfaithful! It’s important to realize that God never told her ahead of time how it would all work out. By pure faith, Mary responded, “I am God’s servant, and whatever He says I will do!”

In thinking about her situation:

1. How would you have reacted to having an angel speak to you?  Curious, afraid, filled with unbelief?
2. What would have been your response to the angel
3. Has God spoken a word to you about your life that, in the natural, doesn’t make sense but requires you to trust in God? Are you in unbelief, fear, or doubt about this word?

It is promised to us that God’s Word will not return to him void but that it will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. So today rise up in the promise and the word that God has declared over you and know that if God is for you, no one can stand against you. You may not know exactly how it will come to pass or work out, but remember God is faithful. All we need to do is be like Mary and say, “I am God’s servant, and whatever He says I will do!”