Light of the WorldSýnishorn

Strolling on a walking path that winds through the towering trees, deeply breathing in the crisp fresh air, we see the God of all creation around us. A ray of light from the morning sun pierces through the dark, empty spaces between the branches and leaves. We watch as it playfully dances on the path in front of us. This ray of light signals the promise of a new day, a ray of hope.

“Ray of hope” is a phrase we often use when describing an expectation for something good we anticipate will happen. We cling to that ray of hope for our family, finances, health, and many other areas. “There is a ray of hope that I’ll be healed.” “There is a ray of hope that my child will pursue the Lord.” Unlike a ray of light, the ray of hope is not elusive. We can embrace, cultivate, and share it. Jesus.

That ray of hope was also present over 2,000 years ago. For four centuries, the Jews were expectant of the Messiah. His arrival was prophesized and then manifested in the virgin Mary’s womb. Jesus. That ray of hope was also spoken about in 1 Timothy 1:1, when the Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, refers to “…Christ Jesus our hope”. This ray of hope is Christ Jesus.

In verses 31-33, the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive a son “and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” That ray of hope was revealed to Mary in the miraculous conception of Jesus. Who was and is our salvation.

Then, the scriptures reveal that Mary has a question, as most of us would. How? The angel Gabriel answers her. Unlike most of us, however, that’s the only question Mary asks of the angel. She then trusts what he has told her. Even though Mary was initially “greatly troubled,” she responds with unwavering faithfulness to the Lord.

Questions:
Will you trust Him today? When He reveals His plans for you, will you be obedient?

Application:
Jesus, help me see you as the ray of hope in my life. You are all I need, Lord. You penetrate the darkness. Please illuminate my path and order my steps. Help me to respond to you, Lord, with unwavering devotion as your faithful servant Mary did. Thank you, Lord, for your Son - the Messiah, my Savior.