Tag Archives: Luke 1

Advent

The Arrival of Grace and Truth

During Advent, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, who entered the world to bring salvation and hope. The Arrival of Grace and Truth can be seen in Luke 1:30-31, where the angel Gabriel delivers a message to Mary that is as awe-inspiring today as it was then:

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God. And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31, AMP). This marks the arrival of grace and truth.

The Grace That Finds Us

Mary’s story reminds us of the incredible grace of God. The angel declares she has “found grace,” not because of her works but because of God’s sovereign choice. This same grace is available to us today through Jesus Christ, marking the arrival of grace and truth. Ephesians 2:8 echoes this truth: “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God” (AMP).

Like Mary, we do not earn God’s grace; we simply receive it through faith. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, freely given to transform lives and bring us into a relationship with Him.

A Son Named Jesus

When Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus, he also declared His name. The name Jesus means “The Lord saves.” This name encapsulates His mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, AMP). This mission signifies the arrival of grace and truth.

In that moment, the eternal God stepped into time, clothing Himself in humanity to bring redemption. “And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [one and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, AMP).

The Son born to Mary would live a sinless life, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him.

The Call to Respond

Mary responded to the angel’s message with faith: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, AMP). Her willingness to embrace God’s plan is a model for us. As we reflect on Christ’s coming, we are invited to say “yes” to God’s grace in our lives, embracing the arrival of grace and truth.

Advent is a season of preparation—not just for the celebration of Christmas but for the continual renewal of our hearts as we wait for Christ’s return. Let us follow Mary’s example, trusting God’s promises and allowing His grace to work in us and through us.

A Prayer for Advent

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of grace that was revealed through Jesus Christ. Just as You showed favor to Mary, You have extended Your love and kindness to us. Help us to prepare our hearts this Advent season to receive more of You. Increase our faith to say “yes” to Your plans, no matter how unexpected they may be. Let us live with the hope and joy that comes from knowing Jesus, Your Son and our Savior. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.

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Advent

Favored and Chosen by God

Beloved, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

The message of God’s grace shines brightly in the words spoken to Mary by the angel Gabriel: “Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28 AMP). This greeting reveals not only Mary’s unique role in God’s redemptive plan but also the vast and immeasurable favor of God that reaches down to all who respond to His call. Favored and Chosen by God, let your heart not only hear these words but receive them deeply, for they echo God’s invitation to you today.

Mary’s story shows us the profound truth that God’s favor is not for the mighty, the wealthy, or the perfect—it is for the humble, the willing, and the faithful. Mary, an unassuming young woman from an obscure town, was chosen not for her greatness but because her heart was yielded to God. As one commentator notes, “Grace finds us, not because we are worthy, but because He is good.” The favor of God transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, the lowly into the beloved.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace [free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness] with God” (Luke 1:30 AMP). These words echo through the centuries to you. Favored and Chosen by God, the same grace that called Mary to bear the Savior now calls you to receive Him. This grace is a gift, freely given by God, unearned and unmeasured. As the Apostle John declared, “For of His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16 AMP).

Mary was troubled and confused at the angel’s greeting, much like we may feel when God calls us to step into His purposes. But her story reminds us that God’s call is never about our ability—it is about His sufficiency. He equips those He calls, and His presence is the guarantee of His promise. As another commentator observes, “The assurance, ‘The Lord is with you,’ is the foundation of courage, the source of peace, and the promise of power.”

Beloved, do not let fear or doubt hold you back. The favor of God rests on you, not because of who you are, but because of who He is. The same God who chose Mary now chooses you. He calls you to bear His life within you, to reflect His light in a dark world, and to walk in the fullness of His grace. Will you say yes to Him? Remember, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

Let the words of Mary’s surrender become the cry of your heart: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 AMP). This is the response of faith, the surrender of a heart that trusts fully in the goodness of God.

Reflect deeply on this truth: God’s grace does not find you where you think you ought to be but where you truly are. Just as He stepped into Mary’s humble life, He steps into yours. Matthew Henry’s commentary reminds us, “Those that God designs for the greatest honors are commonly the most humble and least ambitious.” It is not your perfection He seeks, but your willingness to trust Him.

Let me urge you, dear one, to answer His call today. The Lord is with you, and His favor rests upon you. Will you receive this grace and allow Him to transform your life? Remember, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

Pray this with me:

Heavenly Father, Your grace is overwhelming and unearned, yet You offer it freely. I come to You with a heart that is willing but weak. Strengthen me by Your Spirit, and let Your favor rest upon me. I surrender to Your call and ask that You would use my life for Your glory. Lord, may it be done to me according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now go, beloved, as one favored by God. Walk in His grace, trust in His promises, and surrender to His call. For His love has chosen you, and His Spirit will lead you into the fullness of His plan. Let your heart echo the Apostle John’s words: “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 AMP). Amen.

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