Mary told she will conceive

How Will This Be? (Luke 1:26-38)

Dec 23, 2022 By: Damien Garofalo Topic: Sermon Devotional Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name 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 father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:31-34)

Christmas evokes a myriad of themes in our hearts. This year, we will highlight the theme of God’s power and sovereignty as he does the impossible to accomplish his purposes.

We know the story very well: In Luke chapter 2, the angel visits Mary and tells her all that is about to take place. She will bear a Son, even though she’s a virgin. This Son will be great and mighty, even though she comes from humble beginnings. Her Son’s kingdom will have no end, even though all earthly kingdoms eventually expire. Mary’s response, then, is natural: “How will this be?”

When God promises that something will happen, it will happen. Oftentimes, God delights to do the unexpected, the extraordinary, through ordinary means. Virgins don’t conceive. That’s the point. It’s a miracle. God will make it happen. As the angel tells Mary, “Nothing will be impossible with God.” Nothing. 

Christmas, among many things, is an annual reminder that God will do what he says he will do, even if it is seemingly and naturally impossible. God said that he would give his Son, and so he did it. Jesus will reign forever and ever, and so he will.

Once we truly grab a hold of these promises and recognize that our supernatural, Almighty God will do what his word says he will do, we, like Mary, can humbly and joyfully submit to his will in obedience and reverence. Her response, ““Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” is a model for all of us who have come to believe in the mighty and awesome power of God. 

May God be glorified this Christmas, and may we respond in obedience and worship!