December 7
“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But he angel said to her, “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 will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon 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 barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:26-38
What a beautiful picture this paints. However, at first glance we read a passage where a young girl is called to carry the Savior of the world. We could easily continue reading on without giving it much thought. But this is a very heavy thing to be asked of a young girl. Let’s break this passage down. First of all, Gabriel just randomly shows up where she’s at, that could be startling, it even says “Mary was greatly troubled.” Gabriel reassured her but then continued with God’s plan for her. Read the passage again but slowly, let the powerful plan of salvation and Jesus coming as a baby wash over you.
I love verse 37 that says “For nothing is impossible with God.” Take a few minutes to sit back and think about the things God has called you to do or be. Are you a parent, teacher, pastor, wife, husband, student, or anything else. Do you have days where things feel impossible? “Nothing is impossible with God.” In verse 38 Mary answer Gabriel saying “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” Do we trust God completely? Will we say “yes” and “be it unto me” for whatever He asks of us?
Lord, give me the courage to say “yes” no matter the cost.
Journal Prompts:
Write “Nothing is impossible with God” at the top of the page then write verse 37 below it. Take some time to sit and think about the God sized dreams in your heart. What has God called you to do? Are you full surrendered to His plans and the callings He has for your life? Take some time to write them out then spend some time in prayer talking with the Lord.
Family Activities:
Have each child write (or write for them if needed) “Nothing is impossible with God!” and “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38. Then have them color the page or decorate it as they want. Hang them around the house and remind them throughout the month that nothing is impossible with God.