The angel Gabriel has visited Mary saying: "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God." - from Luke chapter 1
The word favor means "friendly or kind regard, approval, liking." The Lord likes Mary very much; he approves of her. Even though she is young, she stands in high regard, so high that she will bear God's Son, whose kingdom shall never end. Why is she favored? In verse 45 of the same chapter, Mary's relative, Elizabeth, tells why: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." When Mary was told she'd be overshadowed by the power of the Most High, resulting in pregnancy, she didn't laugh, doubt, argue or complain. She simply said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." She believed and she submitted to the fulfillment of prophecy.
Dearest God, the Christmas story is filled with examples of those who were willing to look, listen, obey and follow and were instrumental in unfolding your plan of salvation. There's Joseph who listened to your words of guidance and warning multiple times, uprooting whatever plans he may have had as they moved to Bethlehem, Egypt and Nazareth. There's Mary, who must've suffered greatly with an unplanned pregnancy. Who would believe her explanations? She gave birth in a stable with no midwife, only Joseph to help. Yet, what a marvelous tapestry she's being woven into! Generations shall call her blessed. There's also the Magi who curiously followed a star. The shepherds heard the gospel through a great company of the heavenly host and hurried off to see for themselves. They were the first witnesses and spread the amazing story to everyone who would listen.
Lord, grant unto me a willing, believing spirit so your story may live in me.
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