Read Luke 1.26-56
And so begins the story that children are acting out in schools all over the country. The angel comes to Mary and tells her she will become pregnant with the son of God. Finally, the son of the gods we heard about a few days ago in the book of Daniel is on his way!
But why Mary? She’s not affluent, she doesn’t come from a ‘nice’ area, and she describes her own condition as ‘humble’. Shouldn’t the Saviour, the Son of God himself be born into royalty? I suppose the condition chosen for the Son of God depends very much on the character of God. Is he impressed by wealth? Does he judge people by their education, or salary, or size of their home?
Mary’s song in response to these incredible events suggests not. God is mindful of her, an average teenager in an average place. She has been blessed by him and acknowledges that he has done great things for her. He is a God who scatters the proud, but lifts up the humble. He feeds the hungry but sends away the rich.
Those who need humbled are brought low, and those who need picked up off the ground are elevated by this God.
Does he have a problem with wealth? No, not necessarily. But he judges people, not by their outward circumstances, but by their heart. His mercy is for all who fear him (not in the sense of being terrified, but those who have a proper appreciation of who he is, and who they are in relation to his brilliance.) Anybody can know this God and be elevated by him. Anyone can kneel before him and ask for his mercy when they know they haven’t chosen to live in his ways. Anyone can be fed by him, and know themselves to be blessed by him. You don’t have to be anything special to know this God. In fact, if you don’t think you’re anything special you might find it much easier to receive him, because the only qualification required is need.
This baby will be the Saviour. But he won’t save those who don’t think they need one. For those who are limping along though, those whose hope is running out, and whose light is fading – his arms will be outstretched to those. All day long.
If you want the help this Saviour offers, it’s yours today.
If you’re intrigued but not sure, why not keep going along this journey. Perhaps you’ll find him walking alongside you as you do.
If you already love this Saviour but feel weary, remember that polite prayers and neat instagrammable Bible times are not required. Come to him humbly today and admit your need.
His arms are open to you.
Reflect
What do you think of God’s upside down kingdom where the humble are elevated and the proud are scattered? Does your life reflect this?
What questions do you have about this baby?
Imagine the Saviour standing before you with his arms outstretched. What will you do?
Susie lives in NE Fife and works in ministry. She loves being with friends, feeding people and half finished creative projects
