Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Annunciation to Virgin Mary
St. Luke 1:26-38
v38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

The first Christmas season was a time when the impossible was made possible. Angel appearing to Mary, Elizabeth (old and barren) bearing a child, and a virgin giving birth are some of them. The positive response of people to the will of God paved way for the miracles in life. The response of Mary to the plan of God resulted into unfolding of the great salvific event.

Her Faith in God: Mary’s faith resembled that of Abraham. She completely relied on the promise of God and obeyed to fulfill the mission that God entrusted her. God trusts us with his mission to be fulfilled in our life. Faith is submitting to the trustfulness of God. Mary’s faith is also evident during the Wedding at Cana (John 2) when she tells the servants to follow the orders of Jesus.

Her Humility: Though being mother of The Lord was a privilege, she humbled herself and replied “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” (v.38a) I believe that she would have knelt and bowed down before the angel. Privileges often lead to pride and ego. And our EGO does not permit us to humble down before anyone. “Ego and Eggs are meant to be broken.”

Her Submission: Mary had known about the risk involved in following God’s command. Yet she replied, “… let it be with me according to your word.” She opted to follow God’s word rather than seeking secure and safe haven. She submitted her desires to the will of God. We also find this pattern in Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Advent season calls to examine our Faith, Character and Action that determines miracles in our life.

 
PRAYER

Good Lord, give me the faith to rely on your promise, a humble character that acknowledges my dearth, and action that seeks Your will in life. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
 “Humility in your heart comes when you see what Christ gave up to reach you and me.” (Ravi Zacharias)

Rev. Shiju Thomas, Mar Thoma Church of Baltimore, MD


Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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