In the beginning of the book of Luke, we find the story about the angel Gabriel coming to visit the young Mary. The angel first tells Mary that she is highly favored and the Lord is with her. Then he goes on to explain how she will give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Understandably, this message was confusing and even a bit troubling to Mary, who didn’t fully understand what this could mean and how this could be. Gabriel replies, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
Whatever we are facing from our past, whatever we are facing in the present moment, or whatever we will face in the future – I think it’s important that we also can remind ourselves of the angel’s message to Mary. First, God is with us. That’s the message of Christmas – God sent his Son Jesus to the earth to be our Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Next, wherever we may find ourselves or whatever may be happening, we can trust in God. This message that “nothing is impossible with God” means that we can put our hope and our trust in God. We may not understand, but God can and will work, especially when something in our life seems impossible. God can make a way. It may not be in a way that we would think or imagine, but we can hope and trust that God’s plan is better than ours.
Mary’s response has always been inspiring to me as she replies, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” These words come from a place of humility and trust. Mary was able to open herself to this amazing gift from God to the world because of her willingness to serve. As we put our hope and trust in God, may we take on this spirit of servanthood like Mary. We can learn from our past, we can grow today, and we can find hope in the future as we also try to put ourselves in a place to make a declaration like Mary did. God will work through us and make a difference in the world because of our willingness to serve the Lord.
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry and Discipleship
