Mary’s Yes: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Surrender
Mary’s Yes: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Surrender
“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.” – Luke 1:38 (NLT)
Hello, friends!
Christmas is almost here, and with it comes the familiar hustle and bustle—shopping lists, family plans, festive decorations, and maybe even a bit of chaos. But let’s pause for a moment. Christmas isn’t just about the lights, gifts, and celebrations. It’s about the most extraordinary gift of all: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ—the hope of the world.
Around the globe, families honor this day in different ways. There’s the joy of church services, reading the Christmas story, sharing meals, laughing with loved ones, and exchanging gifts. As beautiful as some of these traditions are, beautiful, let’s ensure that Jesus occupies the place of honor in our celebrations. His birth is the fulfillment of a divine promise that changed everything for mankind.
Long before that first Christmas, prophets foretold the coming of a Savior—one who would bring light to a dark world. The birth of John the Baptist and the virgin birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, these events were some the prophesies surrounding God’s incredible plan for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
When the time was right, as scripture reminds us, “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship”. Indeed, Christmas time speaks volumes about God’s love in action and the unfolding of His plan to break the tyranny of sin, death, and hell and to give us the right to be part of His family, His children with rights of inheritance. What an amazing gift! Christmas isn’t just a party—it’s a celebration of God stepping into our world to save us.
Now let’s talk about Mary—an ordinary young woman whose life took an extraordinary turn. Imagine this, it is a day like any other. Mary is going about her usual tasks, probably not expecting anything unusual. And then, all of a sudden; and quite unexpectedly, the angel Gabriel, appears. What's more? He greeted her with words that could no doubt stir up some concern: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Can you picture Mary’s reaction? Confused? Maybe a little scared? But Gabriel reassures her: “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You’ve found favor with God. You’re going to have a baby, and not just any baby—He will be called Jesus, the Son of the Most High.”
Mary had questions of course like anyone else might. She asked how this could happen since she was a virgin. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and this miracle would manifest because nothing is impossible with God.
Think about that moment. Mary’s world was about to take a major shift in trajectory with all of her plans interrupted. Besides, all the risks probably raced through her mind —what would people think? What would this mean for her future? With all that in mind, Mary decided to step into a moment in time that changed all of human history. With humility and faith Mary said Yes - she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
So, what about us? How can we relate to this story? Perhaps we should take Mary’s yes as an example for all of us. Perhaps it’s a reminder that God looks for hearts that are humble, open, and willing to say yes, even when it looks overwhelming or feels inconvenient. Candidly, saying yes to God isn’t always like a walk in the park. Life can be busy. We have plans, schedules, and routines. What if God interrupts all of that? Will we pay attention? Will we listen? Will we choose to step out of our own plans and into God’s plans by faith?
The Bible challenges us to stay ready for our master’s use with these words: In a large house, there are utensils made of gold and silver, and others made of wood and clay. Some are for special purposes, others for common use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use, ready for the Master to use you. The question is: Are we ready to be vessels God can use?
Mary’s story invites us to trust God, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. It’s okay to have questions. It’s okay to feel unqualified. But like Mary, we can trust God with the plans he has for us and say, “I am the Lord’s servant.”
If you’re wrestling with doubts, bring them to God. Pray the simple, honest prayer one man prayed in the bible: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” The truth is God already knows your capacity and if He is asking something of you, He knows you are ready for that assignment. If He can trust you, will you surrender your insecurities to Him and entrust yourself to His plan and capable hands?
This Christmas let’s take that step of faith. Let’s surrender our plans, trust God’s timing, and be willing to say yes to His calling. And here’s a profound truth: When we say yes to God, He uses us in ways we can’t even imagine. Just like Mary, our yes could be part of something far greater than ourselves. Living a life of surrender to God’s plan is a call to maturity and an insight into the wonders of Heaven even here on earth. As it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
So, let’s celebrate Jesus this Christmas—not just with songs and decorations, but with hearts that are ready to say, “Yes, Lord.”
A few verses to reflect on :
Galatians 4:4-5; John 1: 14 ; Luke 1: 34 – 38 ; Isaiah 66:2; 2 Timothy 2:20-21; Mark 9:24; 1 Corinthians 2:9
