Standing Firm in Celebration

The story of Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel told in Luke chapter one is filled with favour, fear, prophecy, promise, submission, singing, and celebration!

Celebratory News

Can you even begin to imagine getting the news that Mary received on that extraordinary day in the tiny town of Nazareth? The news of giving birth–to the Son of God!

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:30-33 (NRSV)

A Celebratory Response

Though Mary would have been shocked by the encounter and the prophecy that Gabriel revealed, she somehow immediately responded with submission, song and celebration.

Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word … my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:38, 46-47 (NRSV)

A Contrasting Response

Mary’s faith-filled response is a stark contrast to the silence of the Levitical priest Zechariah, whose story is also told in Luke chapter one. When Gabriel announced that Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth would miraculously conceive a child, Zechariah’s doubt left him mute and silent for the duration of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, all while Mary was singing out her gratitude. Mary offered her body, her heart, and her future to God. This despite the fear and uncertainty of sorrows and loss to come.

Celebrating Christmas

Christmas reminds us that we too can stand firm in celebration of the Son of God who came to save us from our sins. This despite the sorrows and losses that we all experience.

We can celebrate that when we place our faith in Jesus, we can be assured that our true and eternal home is heaven, where there will be no more tears. We can celebrate that we carry in us a message of hope and salvation for others, too! Some of our friends and neighbours will be more open to encounter Jesus at this time of year than any other.

While Mary physically carried Jesus in her body, we can all choose to carry Jesus in our hearts. Fuelled by the joy of our salvation we can carry and share the great message that Christ came, died, and rose again for us.

The world is desperate to celebrate something that is truly worthy. Christmas gives us this opportunity. So no matter our circumstances, let’s be the ones who celebrate Christmas with the courage and heart of a humble Hebrew girl. Let’s sing the songs of Christmas and point the world to Jesus.