Advent Devotional, December 7, 2014
Reading:  Luke 1: 26-38
Written by : Nicole Eastwood
Focus:  MARY

Luke prefaces the story of Mary by telling the story of the birth of John the Baptist. John’s parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah were “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” (Luke 1:6) Compared to the credentials of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary’s qualifications are simple. She is engaged to a man from the lineage of David and she is a virgin. She is not lucky or gifted. God is the one extending favor (v28) to her.

This is such powerful news – that God chose to appear via one whom God favored, not one who was worthy. In fact, we go on to see that Mary will give birth to Jesus by 2 things:

1.      The Holy Spirit will come upon Mary, enabling her (the Spirit is the enabler) to do more than she could by herself.

2.      At the same time, the power of the Most High will overshadow her; God himself, the creator will surround her completely with his sovereign power.

a.      Remember, it is in God’s image that we are made

So there was Jesus in her womb, the Holy Spirit enabling, and God’s power creating – the Holy Trinity present.

What is God calling you to do? How is the Holy Spirit enabling you? What is God creating?

Creator God, thank you for making this good, good world. Thank you for being one who is always creating, and help me to know how to participate with you in creation. Holy Spirit, enable me to do more than I could by myself. And Lord Jesus, may you be Lord in my life, this Advent season and always. Help me to desire your Will, and not my own. Amen. 

Family Moment:

Mary - Luke 1:26-38 Mary wasn’t necessarily the fastest, the prettiest, the smartest, or the worthiest. And yet God chose her to be the mother of Jesus. God chose Mary because she was willing to be a servant of the Lord. God chooses each of us to serve God by serving others. What gifts or talents has God given you? How can you use those to serve others? How are you currently using them to serve others? Make a chart/picture/drawing together depicting the strengths of your family members, and how you can serve God.