And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one,

 The Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!

Luke 1:28 (NKJV)

Truly, Mary was a highly favored one since she bore the Messiah. Certainly, God would have given her the best in all things, but He didn’t. Mary faced great hostility among her family and friends because they believed she was an unwed mother. People in that culture and time considered that to be a disgrace. Joseph was even going to break their engagement because he thought she had been unfaithful. God sent an angel to Joseph to tell him the truth. Mary was a virgin, and she bore the Son of God.

Surely God would give this young couple a nice, warm, sanitary place for the birth of His Son. Wrong again! Mary and Joseph were exhausted after their long journey to Bethlehem, and they could not find a room. The Messiah was born in a stable and laid in a manger.

If Mary, the mother of Christ, endured so many hardships, why should we be troubled when they come into our own lives? The first thought that comes into our minds when trouble comes is why God would allow this. We should not be astonished when trouble comes. Jesus said,”…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

Every believer is a highly favored one. Although troubles will come, God gives sufficient grace and strength when we are weak. He supplies every need, and He gives peace beyond  our understanding. He did that for Mary, not only at the birth of Christ, but especially at His death. Do not fret when tribulations come, but trust God. Remember that Christ has overcome the world, and He has control of it all. When trouble is near, draw near to God for you are a highly favored one.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for coming into this world to die for me. Help me focus on that truth during Christmas. Help me remember that in this world, Christians will have tribulation. During those times, help me remember to trust You. Amen!

DIG DEEPER

Read Luke 1:26-38.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Do you ever have difficulty understanding why trials come into your life? Many of us struggle with that, and many times, we will not know the answer until we reach heaven. However, James tells us to ask God for wisdom without doubting, and God will give it to us liberally (James 1:5).

Merry Christmas!!