2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

There are some verses missing between Luke’s account of the Annunciation and the Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise. In between, she goes to see her cousin Elizabeth, who sees Mary for what she is and will forever be: blessed woman, the mother of Jesus. Elizabeth’s last line before Mary’s song is this: And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.

Mary is blessed because she said yes. She said yes because she believed God would make her life holy – not just for her own sake, but for the sake of the whole world. She certainly didn’t say yes because any of it made sense. And her yes comes out in her song: Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Mary’s life has changed all of our lives. God asked and Mary said yes. Of all the times, places, and people, this one young woman said yes.

I wonder sometimes if God asked others. Were there some who said no?

What holy life is God offering each of us?

Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

Offered on December 21, 2014.