In this sermon we're launching a brand-new Christmas series called Seeing Christmas with Fresh Eyes, and we're kicking it off by looking at a story we think we already know—Mary's. We've heard the Christmas story so many times that we forget how shocking, unexpected, and downright messy it really was. But when we pause and look again with fresh eyes, we discover a God who writes stories differently than we would… and a God we can trust even when our own lives take sharp, unexpected turns.

Mary's encounter with the angel wasn't calm or polished—it was confusing, frightening, and full of consequences she didn't choose. Yet in the middle of her questions, she anchored herself to one unshakeable truth: "For no word from God will ever fail." And with remarkable faith, she prayed, "I am the Lord's servant. May Your word to me be fulfilled." Her response reminds us that when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming, we can hold tightly to what God has spoken over us—His promises, His character, and His unfailing love.