Sunday, December 21, 2014 Luke 1:26-38
Melissa Rick
Receiving news of a pregnancy induces anxiety if not fear in most women. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David.” (Luke 1:31-32) I can only imagine what Mary was thinking when she received Gabriel’s news. Are you sure you want me, Lord? How can I handle this responsibility? What if I mess this up? Mary most likely felt alone and frightened.
The magnitude of this news would overwhelm anyone. In fact, bringing a child into this world is terrifying. Many of us have similar questions and fears when we are expecting a child or tackling any new circumstance. In our lives we are overwhelmed daily with struggles that seem impossible. There are financial, physical, and emotional challenges; unimaginable pain and illnesses; and the loss of family and friends. How can we survive during these daily challenges? Where will our strength come from? Where did Mary’s strength come from? “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28) The Lord was with Mary.
The Lord is with us. How comforting to know the Lord is always with us. Whatever happens in this lifetime and whatever the Lord calls us to do, we are not alone. God sent Jesus to give us this hope and to secure our salvation. “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
Prayer: Breath of heaven, hold me together,
Be forever near me, breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven, lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy.
Amen
(These lyrics were written by Chris Eaton and Amy Grant in their song, Breath of Heaven. I repeated these words as I was delivering my children. God was with me.)
Daily Challenge: Pray for someone in need of hope and strength and reach out to them.
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