Who is ready to receive the Lord Jesus? Mary received the Son in a unique way and her example speaks to us today.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Only the humble can make such a statement. The world despises humility, but Jesus modeled such an attitude. Those who would receive Him today must be humble.
“He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matt 18:3-4) “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place…” (Phil 2:5-11)
The humble one has a heart ready to believe. “Blessed is she who has believed what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Full of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth praised Mary for what pleases God. The Father is pleased when we believe!
“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Rom 3:21-22)
Mary shows us a simple path: be humble, believe, and be blessed. May God bless you this Christmas season!
“And Mary said, ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 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. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.’” Luke 1:46-55