Mary’s “Yes”

Read

Luke 1:34-38 “‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.’”

Think

Mary’s story is one of quiet courage and unwavering faith. A young girl with simple dreams, she likely imagined a joyful life with Joseph—a beautiful wedding, a home filled with laughter, and a future they would build together. But in a moment, all of that changed. God interrupted her plans with a call that would turn her world upside down.

When the angel Gabriel appeared, his message was overwhelming: she would give birth to a son, Jesus, the very Son of God. Mary, a teenager from a small, overlooked town, was chosen to carry the Savior of the world. But with this honor came an incredible weight. She would face whispers of scandal, judgment from her community, and a path she hadn’t asked for.

What’s astonishing is her response. Mary didn’t resist or demand an explanation. Her only question was one of wonder: “How can this be?” Gabriel reassured her that God’s Spirit would accomplish the impossible and reminded her of a powerful truth—God’s promises never fail. With remarkable faith, Mary simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen as you have said.” No hesitation, no conditions—just surrender to God’s plan, no matter the cost.

Mary’s story isn’t just about obedience; it’s about the depth of faith. True faith doesn’t need all the answers or guarantees. It’s about trusting God, even when the road ahead is uncertain, or the cost feels overwhelming. Her radical “yes” to God is a profound reminder that surrender isn’t weakness—it’s the doorway to being part of something far greater than ourselves.

This Christmas, Mary’s example invites us to pause. What plans or dreams are we clinging to that God may be asking us to lay down? Are we willing to trust him, even when his plans disrupt our own? Mary’s surrender changed the world, and her story reminds us that God’s plans, though unexpected, are always good and for his glory. Her faith challenges us to believe that when we say “yes” to him, he can do the impossible through us.

Apply

Like Mary’s response, obedience starts with simple steps. Look for one small way to say “yes” to God today—whether it’s serving someone, forgiving someone, or spending time in prayer.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust you, even when your plans disrupt my own. Teach me to say “yes” to you with a willing heart, knowing that your ways are always good. Guide me to follow you in obedience and trust, resting in the promise that your word never fails. In Jesus’ name. Amen.