December 5

December 5

READ

Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)

DEVOTION

In the year Gabriel appeared to her, Mary was likely around the age of fourteen. She didn’t
come from a wealthy family, nor does Scripture mention anything outwardly significant about
her background or status. I imagine Mary finishing the simple, everyday tasks of her home,
helping make the evening meal or preparing the lamps for her family to use, then pausing for a
quiet moment of reflection and prayer before going to bed, when the angel Gabriel appeared
with God’s message. She was a young woman living a normal life.
And yet Gabriel refers to her as “highly favored.” The phrase highly favored in the passage
comes from the Greek χαριτόω (khar-ee-to'-o), meaning “to pursue with grace,” “to compass
with favor,” or “to honor with blessings.” God didn’t choose Mary because she had earned His
favor. He chose her because His grace rested upon her. She was given the privilege of carrying
the promised Messiah in her womb, not because she was extraordinary, but because God is.
The same is true for us. Though we are not carrying the Son of God physically, we do carry the
Spirit of God in our hearts. We, like Mary, have been highly favored. Grace has been poured out
on us.
As Christmas draws near, we celebrate this incredible gift: God Himself coming near to dwell
with us, born as a vulnerable baby in a humble manger. The grace Mary received is the same
grace that invites us into God’s story of hope, peace, and salvation. Just as the light of Jesus
pierced the darkness on that first Christmas, God’s favor shines on ordinary people like you and

me, calling us to be part of His ongoing work in the world. As real people living real lives, we too
are invited into God’s story, His ongoing work of bringing others to know Him.

REFLECT

How does knowing that God chooses ordinary people change the way you see yourself and
your purpose?
How does Mary’s openness to God’s unexpected calling challenge or encourage you in your
own walk with Him?

PRAY
God, thank You so much for pouring Your grace out on us. Thank You for inviting us into Your
story. As we prepare our hearts for this coming Christmas, may our eyes not be focused on our
own shortcomings or struggles, but on Your grace, beauty, and magnificence. We are so
grateful for You and for sending Your Son so that we can know You personally. Amen.