Meditation

Hi there,

We begin this week before Christmas in Luke 1 with the Angel Gabriel coming to Mary to announce the imminent arrival of the savior six months after his appearance to Zacharias to announce the miraculous conception of John the Baptist.

Two things stood out to me as I wrote this out this morning. First, the favor that Mary has 'found' is the same favor you and I now enjoy. Mary isn't a vessel of grace; she is a recipient...just as we are.

All three of the gifts promised in Verse 28 are as true for us as believers as they are for Mary. We are highly favored as Mary was (Ephesians 1:6), the Lord is with us (Matthew 28:20), and we are blessed (Ephesians 1:3).

The second is the understated humility with which Mary accepts this incredible news. She was 'troubled' and 'fearful.' This, of course, must be an understatement! The sight of angels in the Bible is typically accompanied with near terror.

But in this case, we see Mary fearful but thoughtful. The definition of a healthy spiritual condition.

Today's passage is Luke 1:26-30 (and is shown in black)

I've included tomorrow's conclusion to the whole passage for additional context.

Luke 1

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her

Encouragement

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols traditionally begins with "Once in Royal David's City." I've copied a link to the Kings College service from 2021 here.

Be Encouraged. Join our 1000 strong Facebook Group

Post a picture of your completed page to our Facebook Group today.

Join over 1000 club members doing the same. Your pictures will be a great encouragement to everyone else in the club

...and don't worry about your handwriting.

It is as unique as you are, and God's word looks beautiful in it.

P.S. BCC is even better when shared

If you know someone who would also benefit from Bible Copy Club's daily prompts to copy out scripture by hand, please forward them this ​link​.​