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Scripture

But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him 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 Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’

‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’

Luke 1: 30-33, 38

Comment

This Sunday is the fourth week of Advent and is often associated with love and with Mary, the mother of Jesus.

I’m not sure how I would feel if the angel Gabriel turned up to talk to me. Terrified, I expect. I am sure that I would wonder if I was hallucinating!

I know that Mary was terrified and the angel reassured her and gave her the message, that by the divine intervention and power of the Holy Spirit, she was to be the mother of God’s Son, Jesus. Mary’s response was humble obedience because of her love for God.

There were no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’. There was no hesitation.

WOW!

Not many of us will have angelic visitations in our lifetimes. However, God speaks to us through his Word and Spirit and expects us to be obedient out of love for him. This week, let’s spend some time in quiet, prayerful reflection, asking God how we can show love to our husband or wife in the way they need it right now. Then do it, in humble obedience.

Prayer (as a couple)

Dear Lord, we thank you for the example of humble obedience and love shown by Mary. Please help us listen to your Word and Spirit how we might show love to one another in the way the other person needs it right now. And then help us to do it in humble obedience and in Jesus name. Amen.

Prayer (for others)

Dear Lord, we pray for… and …. We pray that they would hear your promptings to show love to one another in big or small ways this week. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Final Quote

Jesus: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.”

John 14:23