In church this morning, our pastor had some kids read from the accounts of Jesus’ birth in the Bible, and then asked them some questions about what they had read. One girl read the angel’s words to Mary in Mark chapter 1: “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How do you think Mary felt when she heard those words from an angel?”, the pastor asked the girl. The girl was a bit awestruck at the fact that she was standing in front of hundreds of people, being asked a question by the pastor. She couldn’t respond, and stood there quietly. “I think you’re right,” the pastor said, “Mary was probably amazed!”
What a wonderful moment! The king of kings and lord of lords, the eternal logos, the maker of heaven and earth, emptying himself of privilege to become one of us, to redeem us. We are right to be awed and amazed. And then, as Mary did, to sing with joy:
“for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.” (Mark 1:49-50)
Merry Christmas!