Christmas Devo | December 2

READ
Luke 1:28-30 

 CONSIDER 
Throughout the Old Testament, angels are sent as God’s messengers, and the messages are not always positive. In fact, they are often kind of terrifying. Angels stand guard at the Garden of Eden, armed with flaming swords, preventing humanity from re-entering. Angels bring the message of condemnation and annihilation to Sodom and Gomorrah.  

So, when Mary sees an angel, fear is an understandable response. That’s why the angel assures Mary, “Don’t worry. It’s good. God is on your side.”  

Favor is a theme in the Old Testament. Every time Esther appears before the king, she says, “If I have found favor with you...” Ruth finds favor with Boaz, who redeems her. Favor is a sign of approval and blessing. It’s an indication that you are in right relationship with the one before whom you stand (or kneel). Often, it is confirmation that you are, in fact, in a special relationship with the one whose favor you seek. 

Favor isn’t something you earn, though. It’s a gift from God. He gives you what you need to be in right relationship with him, and he is pleased when you steward that gift well. Mary was a righteous woman. She was given everything she needed to be in good standing with God, and she stewarded that gift well. So, she found favor with him.  

REFLECT 
Has anyone ever told you they have a message from God specifically for you? It can be a little disconcerting, especially if they tell you something they otherwise have no way of knowing. Maybe that hasn’t happened, but you have listened to a sermon or a Bible study or Sunday School class and the Lord impressed something on you that made you pause for a moment.  

Something about hearing from God – through a conversation or a message or a lesson or just a gut feeling or internal voice – can make you feel a little vulnerable. Exposed, even. And that can be scary.  

BUT, when you receive assurance that God is for you, that you have found favor with him – all those nerves give way to peace.  

PRAY
Lord, I do not want to be nervous in your presence. I recognize that your blessing, your favor, is not something I can earn. It is a gift. I want to steward it well. Show me how to walk in confident obedience so when I do hear from you, I can receive your message and follow you with peace.
Amen.