Do you ever feel lonely during the holidays?
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Ever-present God,
We’ve seen too many Christmas programs
with Mary all alone on the stage singing
about how a baby changes everything.
I guess it’s because
we admire Mary for facing such a daunting task—
to raise the Son of God,
but we’re prone to forget
that she was never alone in her calling,
that she’s not some 21st century independent woman,
bold and brave and free,
walking this hard road in her own strength.
Indeed, the angel Gabriel is right there with her
in this radically life-altering moment,
and you were with her all along.
Her cousin Elizabeth is with her,
believing the impossible with her.
Even if her husband rejected her
and the village folk talked about her behind her back,
she had the assurance that her heavenly Father favored her.
And we have so much more than Mary had.
We have the knowledge that Christ the King
was born as a baby,
lived and loved on this earth,
died on the Cross for our sins,
rose from the dead,
and is seated at your right hand.
We know that one day he will come again
to restore all things,
to right the wrong,
to call his people home.
Show us today
where we need to surrender to your plan,
and remind us that we are never alone
in living this glorious calling
to be your bond servant.
Work your will in us,
and remind us of the many ways
you’ve already shown us your favor
and empowered us to serve you.
In Jesus, Immanuel’s name. Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-45.
Get Elizabeth’s Advent devotional for free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/34no8c805q
