Christmas From Cover to Cover: 25-Day Advent DevotionalSample

The angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary was surely unexpected. Of course, no one really expects to encounter an angel. But even more than that, she was probably just a teenager. She wasn’t from a prominent family and there seems to be nothing that distinguishes her as significant. So why then would the Lord of the Heavens choose this woman of obscurity to bear the Son of God? The answer is simple: she believed God. Even if the world saw nothing substantial in Mary, God had found favor with her. She was consumed with a godly faith that persevered in the midst of confusion and fear. Mary was so convinced of the promises of God that she could say as a virgin about to give birth, “I am the Lord’s servant…may it be done according to your word.” Nine months later, Christmas came right on time and the promises she believed were fulfilled.

Reflection Question: Why is it difficult to trust God when our circumstances seem difficult?