This week, in the final episode of our Advent and Christmastide series, we are studying Mary and her response to God's call on her life, and how that response can so inform the way we truly go into 2025.

1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE PASSAGE SAY?

Luke 1:28-30; 38: The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Maybe true for Mary, but is it true for us?

2. WHAT'S THE BACKSTORY?

What do we know about Mary:

-She knew some scripture
-She was faithful
-She was among the believers [not venerated, but in community]

Acts 1:14 (They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.)

Mary had no qualifications for being chosen.

This beginning also mirrors our beginning when it comes to receiving the good news.

All of the good news is contained here:

You who are highly favored.

In the context of the world, she is not highly favored. When we think of what makes someone highly favored, we tend to think of the examples we have in the world. But that wasn’t Mary at all. 

3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Accepting the incredible surprise of the good news means releasing control.

Receiving the gift of our favor means opening our hands to everything God gives. “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word be fulfilled.”

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us…that we would be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

4. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

What sets Mary apart is her radical acceptance of God’s invitation, and what defines us as children of God is our radical acceptance of the same invitation.

Radical Acceptance:

God has not given up on me, no matter how I feel.

I do not need to try harder.

My pain and struggle is not wasted.

 

My false self protects me with:

I am what I do.

I am what I have.

I am what others think of me.

 

My true self:

I am. (I am worthy)

I am the Lord’s. (I belong)

I am the Lord’s servant. (I have purpose)

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

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