I enjoy both daily planning and preparing for special events. We chopped down a live tree this weekend and purchased a live wreath. It was so much fun decorating both the tree and wreath in reds and golds. Most gifts are wrapped and set under the tree, and we are ready for our first event. Every weekend is packed to the max this year, more than in the average year.
I sincerely enjoy the planning and preparation process, even in daily activities. But everyone knows that no matter how often we plan, it’s rare that things go perfectly. There are often interruptions, delays, or health issues that get in the way.
In the Biblical Christmas story, Mary would have been planning for marriage as she was betrothed to Joseph. Before a wedding, in Biblical culture, the bride was to wait for the groom to receive her. A trumpet call and a loud shout would give her a little bit of warning that he was on the way. The groom would then take her to his home after preparing a particular room for the two of them, in addition to his father’s home. Joseph would have planned to fetch her when he was ready, and the groom’s family would have a great feast in celebration.
I imagine Joseph and Mary’s plans would have been a bit helter-skelter. An angel approached Mary and told her she was highly favored! Her plans were about to change, and Joseph would have to accept it, too.
The angel went to her and said, “ Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her,” Don’t be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”
Luke 1:28-30
How would you feel if an angel approached you with something so “out of this world?”
Gabriel approached Mary, greeting her with an incredible compliment. She is highly favored! The Lord is with her! She didn’t seem so sure about this. I wonder what was on her mind. Was she considering past stories of others who were highly favored, like Moses or Daniel? Because scripture speaks of Mary pondering over what was happening in various scenarios with Jesus, I imagine she was reflecting as the angel approached. I would guess she internalized the situation. We know from the above verse that she was highly troubled. What was racing through her mind? Maybe she was fearful of what God would ask her to do. Perhaps just the sight of an angel caused her to tremble! The angel assured her there was no reason to fear. She had found favor with God.
God knew he would provide all Mary needed for the task he was about to give her. He will provide for any task he asks any of us to do. After the initial natural human response of fear, Mary trusted God. Will you lay aside any of your own fears and trust him, even if your plans are entirely interrupted?