Monday, December 2, 2024  

---

Today's Scripture
Luke 1:26–38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (NRSV)

---

Reflection

She has been called Immaculate, Star of the Sea, Most Holy, Most Pure, Our Lady, Queen of Heaven. Churches bear her name: Our Lady of Grace, of Victory, of Confidence. Catholics honor her deeply; some Protestants approach with caution. Yet generations have called her blessed: Mary.

At the Annunciation, when the angel appeared — perhaps with wings of light and a voice that carried the weight of eternity — Mary made her bold claim: Here am I, the servant of the Lord. She embraced this title, one given to prophets and patriarchs like Abraham, Moses, and David. But in this case, the title was not bestowed upon her; she chose it. In the face of fear and uncertainty, she answered God’s call with courage.

This is not the meek and mild figure from nativity scenes or carols. This is Mary of bold integrity, strength, and resolve. Mary, who later sang “God has shown strength with God’s arm, scattered the proud, brought down the powerful, and lifted the lowly.” The Magnificat reveals a Mary who joins God’s mission to overturn injustice, proclaim peace, and usher in a new creation.

Mary became a co-creator with God, reaching into the soil of the world to plant seeds of grace and mercy. She bore Christ, not only in her womb but in her life, embodying what it means to follow Jesus — from the first signs of incarnation to the foot of the cross.

Servitude takes strength. It comes with risk. Yet in our willingness to accept the cost and the joy of discipleship, God works through us, too, to bring justice to the oppressed and hope to the brokenhearted. Mary, the Servant of the Lord, reminds us that when we choose a life with God, all things are possible.

Yes, she has many names: God-Bearer, Seat of Wisdom, Cause of Our Joy, Ever-Blessed, but at her core, she is called the Servant of the Lord. And here’s what I think: she deserves it.

---

Prayer
O coming Lord, help us to magnify your love in the world, scattering fear, lifting the lowly, and planting seeds of justice and peace. Strengthen us to bear your presence, not only in our words but in our lives, so that we, like Mary, may be known as your servants. Amen.

---

Written by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email