I know it’s a little cliche, but I’ve been reading the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke this week (having finished up 1 Kings). Since it’s a little cliche I’ve also tried to focus on finding something new and fresh…maybe something I haven’t seen or noticed before. I’ve heard the story and read the passage so many times it’s easy to go into auto-pilot instead of really paying much attention.

Today I am intrigued by Mary’s response to the entire situation. It’s commonly accepted that Mary was probably in her early teens when the angel Gabriel appeared to her (maybe as young as 12 even…but I like to think more like 14). Now keep in mind that the message Gabriel brings to Mary is huge…not only will it change her life, it will change the entire world for the rest of eternity! Not only is she going to have a baby…she’s going to have the Messiah, the Savior of the World. No pressure!

And this whole thing has a direct impact on Mary’s life as well. She has plans already made…a direction for her life. She is engaged to be married to a young carpenter named Joseph.This is a young couple with all of the dreams, hopes, and plans that come with that stage in life. She may not know what her future holds exactly…but it’s moving in the right direction and it certainly didn’t include what Gabriel was telling her would happen.

Her life and her world where about to be turned upside down like nobody could have ever imagined.

How would I have taken this news? Probably in my typical narcissistic manner: Why me? Why now? Doesn’t God know this is going to mess everything up? This wasn’t in my plans God! You’ve got the wrong person. (Or something like that maybe).

How does Mary respond? A little better than I might have (which is likely why God chose her in the first place):

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.” (Luke 1:38, NLT)

Mary responded with a true servant’s heart…she was willing to follow God’s plans no matter what. I think we call that faith. And she really meant what we she said…it wasn’t just a platitude or a scheme to get Gabriel to go away. Her close relative, Elizabeth confirmed Mary’s conviction:

You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said (Luke 1:45, NLT)

And all of this from a “nobody teenager” growing up in the middle of nowhere. God grant me that kind of faith and trust in you. Mary’s response is my prayer: “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants.”