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By Marcia Smith, Lt. Colonel–
The angel went to her [Mary] 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, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor 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 forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:28-33).
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38).
It seems it was as simple as that. A young woman, who was highly favored by God, was going to be the earthly mother of Jesus. And she accepted in faith what was told to her. And equally as incredible was Joseph’s reaction to the words by the angel. He accepted in faith what was told to him. Incredible faith on both of their parts. I would imagine that both Mary and Joseph knew that God promised he would send a King to rule the earth, but how could they think he would come as a baby boy—presented to them to raise. What incredible, remarkable, honest faith in God, Mary and Joseph had.
I want that kind of faith, knowing that it is God who is in charge, knowing that God knows what is best for me and following him wherever.
A song that speaks to my heart about this incredible faith is “Mary Did You Know,” with lyrics by Mark Lowry and music by Buddy Greene.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?…
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?…
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb!
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I AM.
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?…
Mary, did you know?
I am praying that this Christmas season, we all have the incredible faith that was seen through the actions of Mary and Joseph.
Do Good:
- Pick a Scripture study to follow this week and read one part each day for the next four days. On the fifth day, send it to someone you think would also benefit from it.
- See how you can get involved in the Fight for Good at westernusa.salvationarmy.org.
- Did you know The Salvation Army served more than 23 million Americans last year fighting hunger, homelessness, substance abuse and more—all in a fight for good? Where can you help? Take our quiz to find your cause and learn how you can join in today.
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