Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, December 27, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Even good news can be scary. As a faithful Jew, and one whom it appears has an extraordinary grasp of scripture, Mary was waiting for the coming of the messiah. She couldn’t possibly have known she would be the one to bring him into the world, of course. So I imagine the angel’s message was met with conflicting emotions: confusion (why me?), fear (what will happen to me?), and intense joy (the messiah is coming now!!!). The angel’s first words: don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid that I’m an angel. Don’t be afraid of what comes next. Rejoice for you have found favor with God. You are chosen, Mary, for this incredible and terrifying work of changing the world forever.
God calls us into that same work. Not literally—we will not give birth to the human incarnation of God in a biological sense. But in real and vital ways, it is our call to bring Jesus into the world every day of our lives. To work for justice and peace and be Jesus to those who are oppressed and suffering through our words and deeds. To see Jesus in the faces of our neighbors and in all of creation. It is good work. It is hard work. It can be scary work. But rejoice! For you have found favor with God. You are chosen for this incredible and terrifying work of changing the world forever!
How do I see myself called to bring Jesus into the world today?
