In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy with her son John, the angel Gabriel makes his second and final appearance in the gospel of Luke, introducing us to one of the most famous and intriguing characters in the Bible: Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is young, unmarried, and “greatly troubled” by her unexpected guest.
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
~Luke 1:30-31
Months later, this same young woman finds herself far from home, with a husband she has barely had time to get to know, holding a baby in her arms and the angel’s words in her heart. What child is this? the famous carol asks—words Mary herself may have asked, with fear and wonder, as she stared at the infant she had delivered.
In all of human history, Mary’s experience is unique. But our lives all take turns we never saw coming. What is this? we may ask.
Sometimes life’s surprises are exciting; other times they’re heartbreaking. Many times, as in Mary’s story, they’re a mix. Mary is troubled, but also amazed and faithful. She accepts the angel’s news and praises God even in her uncertainty. She takes in Gabriel’s words, the refrain of the Christmas story: Do not be afraid.
It might be the refrain of our lives, as we imagine Mary clinging to those words not only in that moment, but for the rest of her days.
Because we flip the pages ahead and we know this story will turn, and turn again. The infant in the manger will grow into an adult his mother struggles to understand. There will be miracles; there will be friends, and betrayal, and blood. There will be pain and grief before joy can rise again.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
~Luke 2:10-11
This, this is Christ the King. From beginning to end, his story encourages us that we do not need to fear life’s unexpected turns. This second week of Advent, think about an unexpected turn in your life—maybe current, maybe not. As you reflect on the Christmas story, remember Gabriel’s words to Mary and the life they freed her to live.
Scriptures for Week 2
Day 1
And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.
~Luke 1:36-37
Day 2
“For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
~Isaiah 54:10
Day 3
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
~Psalm 42:11
Day 4
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-control.
~2 Timothy 1:7
Day 5
And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
~Luke 2:17-19
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