Advent Devotional 2021: Fear Not, Mary!
“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.” - Luke 1:30 (ESV)
Devotional
Read: Luke 1:26-56
Mary’s circumstances could not be more different than Zechariah’s. While Zechariah was a priest serving before multitudes of people, known to multitudes as one chosen to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense (vv. 9-10). Mary was just a young woman living in a small non-descript village in the region of Galilee (v. 26), far from the bustling centre of Jerusalem. While Zechariah was advanced in years yet without child, Mary was at the cusp of adulthood, getting ready to be married.
In fact, Mary was just known as a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, who was a descendent of king David from years past – perhaps not as significant we would expect, especially after hundreds of years of living under the rule of various empires. In all counts, Mary was a nobody.
Listen: Fear Not! - This year’s Christmas theme song written by our own Calvarian, Melvin Koh!
It was then no wonder, that when the angel Gabriel came to her with “Greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you!”, Mary was greatly troubled and perplexed. A pronouncement of favour was normally reserved for great men in the past such as Noah (Gen 6:8), Abraham (Gen 18:3), Jacob (Gen 43:14) and Daniel (Dan 9:23). To what could Mary be due such a pronouncement?
While the reason for fear was different in Zechariah’s story, Mary’s response to the angel’s unexpected appearing and intriguing pronouncement was understandably similar – of shock, perplexment, and confusion. However, in this account with Mary, the angel’s assurance of “fear not!” stemmed from the grace of God bestowed upon Mary, and the promise of how God is going to work through her to fulfil His grand plan of bringing Jesus – the Son of the Most High, the promised heir to the throne of David, the forever king of Israel – into this world (vv. 30-33).
It is comforting to know how God chooses to work through both the notables and nobodies to accomplish His great purposes. Both the esteemed Zechariah and young insignificant Mary had pivotal roles in God’s kingdom, and in this story – the ‘nobody’ was favoured to bear the son of God and bring Him into the world at Christmas. Not only that, God promises His abiding presence with her through the entire journey.
“Both the esteemed Zechariah and young insignificant Mary had pivotal roles in God’s kingdom, and in this story – the ‘nobody’ was favoured to bear the son of God and bring Him into the world at Christmas. ”
Perhaps we identify with Mary – feeling like a nobody, not particularly ‘chosen’ or ‘favoured’ to do anything great in this life. While indeed Mary’s story is one that will never be repeated in all of history, we see God often choosing to use the simple and lowly in His kingdom purposes, that we may not boast in our abilities, but of the grace, power, and the cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). The same way God bestowed his favour and grace upon Mary to accomplish His purposes, we have grace given to us according to the measure of Christ’s gift, to build the church, to be the full manifestation of Christ in this world (Ephesians 4:7-13).
May we respond the same way Mary responded to God’s call upon her life (v. 38) – despite the fear that may be present, recognising there is no merit or good we could bring, to simply present ourselves as servants of the Lord, willing and available for His use. May we then be able to call ourselves greatly blessed, finding our insignificance radically transformed into a lasting significance in God’s kingdom because of His grace in our lives.
— Written by Angel Lim, Ministry Director (Christian Education, Worship)
Reflect & Respond:
How might God be already working through you for His good purposes? Reflect upon His works in your life and give thanks to Him for bestowing undeserved favour and His presence to you.
What are measures that you would consider for someone who is great or lowly? How do you view significance within yourself or others? Our ultimate worth is not found in the status we have in society, nor the possessions we have. May we learn to find our significance, not in what we have done, but, as Mary proclaimed, what our Almighty God has done for us (Luke 1:48-49).
What is your life story that speaks of God’s salvation upon your life and the good news of Christ? ENGAGE – look for chances to share your story (perhaps a condensed summary of your testimony) and learn of others’ stories. Find out more about how you can pray, engage, and gather this Christmas with our PEG kit here!