December 16 — Luke 1:26–38

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. The angel appeared 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. So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name 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 the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”

“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon 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. Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.
— Luke 1:26-38


Mary’s story begins in the ordinary—the quiet life of a young woman in a small town—yet God enters that ordinary space with a world-changing announcement. Gabriel calls her “highly favored,” not because of her status or accomplishments, but because God has chosen her for His redemptive work. Advent reminds us that God often begins His greatest work in the quiet, hidden places of life. He does not wait for us to be strong, impressive, or prepared. He comes to us as we are and invites us into His unfolding story of grace.

Mary’s honest question—“How can this be?”—reveals both her humility and her humanity. She is not doubting God’s power; she is acknowledging her own limitations. The angel’s response shifts the focus from Mary’s abilities to God’s: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… nothing will be impossible with God.” Advent teaches us the same truth: the work God desires to do in and through us is not dependent on our strength but on His. When God calls us, He also empowers us. When His word speaks, His Spirit enables. Our role is not to understand every detail but to trust the One who is faithful.

Mary’s final words—“May it be to me according to Your word”—are among the most beautiful expressions of faith in all of Scripture. She surrenders not reluctantly but willingly, offering her life to God’s purposes despite the uncertainty and cost. Advent invites us to this same posture of willing trust. We may not see how God’s plans will unfold, but we can choose to say yes to Him, trusting that His promises are good and His presence is with us.

As you reflect on this passage, consider these questions: Where do you hear God calling you to trust Him in ways that feel beyond your understanding? What questions or uncertainties rise in your heart when you think of God’s plans for your life? How might Mary’s example of humble surrender speak to your own journey of faith? And what does it mean for you today to say, “I am the Lord’s servant”?

For today’s practice, take a moment of stillness and whisper Mary’s words as your prayer: “May it be to me according to Your word.” Let this be both surrender and invitation, both trust and openness. Then choose one small step of obedience—perhaps reaching out to someone, beginning a time of prayer, or releasing a worry into God’s hands. Trust that the Holy Spirit will meet you with the strength you need.


Loving Father, 

Thank You for Mary’s example of humble trust and willing surrender. Help me to say yes to Your purposes, even when I do not understand the path ahead. Fill me with Your Spirit and teach me to rely not on my strength but on Yours. 

All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

-

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