Scripture: Luke 1:28-30
When the angel came to Mary, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you.”
Thought for the Day: Today in worship, you will hear these words spoken. The angel’s response to Mary’s confusion was to encourage her not to fear, for God was honoring her. Other translations say that God was favoring her. The word in Greek is Charis, the word we often translate as Grace. I have often thought of it in terms of God showing Mary how grace was already there, for grace is God’s unmerited love and kindness. For a young girl who felt unnoticed and without value, a message arrived at her doorstep; a message that communicated her importance in the eyes of God. The Good News for us all is that Mary’s realization is our realization – showing us all that God’s grace was there before we knew it – that God’s grace will remain no matter what occurs. That’s grace!
Prayer: Lord, you show us favor even when we do not know it. At this amazing time of the year, let us embrace the Good News of your grace that will forever be there for us. Amen.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
TONIGHT’S CONCERT
