Luke 1:30 “And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.'” (KJV)

Mary was a teenager minding her own business, doing the daily chores of a young woman, and betrothed-engaged to be married. Happy heart! Her bridegroom is at home preparing her new home. This new home has to be such that it will keep her at least “in the manner to which she is accustomed” or better! Mary and her mother are preparing her robes for the special week of celebration for her wedding when she will be treated like a queen.

Then, out of nowhere, a stranger is standing in front of her, shining and radiant because he has come straight from the throne of God with God’s message to her.

Fear not? Yeah right! He just scared the wits out of her! He calls her by name and she has never seen him before! It will take more than a second to process who the heck he is. Is her first instinct to scream? Hit him with the broom? Faint? Run? Bow? What would be your first response at the age of thirteen to fifteen?

As Mary’s life passes before her eyes and thoughts race faster than American Pharoah during the races for the Triple Crown, the voice speaks words most would give all their earthly treasures to hear: “You have found favor with God.”

Here is the truth from Scripture that few of us fully comprehend: Because we believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and have accepted His gift of salvation, we too have found favor with God!

So, today, sweet friends plug your name into the sentence, ”___________________, thou hast found favor with God.” Let this reality sink into the depths of your soul. Could there be any statement more precious from His holy lips to our ears? If we find favor with Father God, is there any earthly reason to fear? Ponder this as Mary did. Never forget! Hang onto this truth–”for God so loved you“ He made sure through His sacrifice this favor is guaranteed to you. You need only to believe. Take the step. Choose to believe. The rest the Father will do. Just open the door of your heart.

This is the good news of great joy we have been sent to share. Is there any greater gift of Christmas?

Mary Did You Know by Pentatonix

Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant

Yvonne