Advent: The Light That Rises in the DarknessNäide

God Always Takes the First Step

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus." Luke 1:31 (NLT)

Christmas is not a story about people who have finally found God. It’s a story about God Who has found people.

Mary was not looking for an angel. She did not plan to play a part in one of the greatest events in history. But it was on an ordinary day in one modest house that God took the first step. He came where least expected and started to create new life.

The same is true today – God doesn’t wait until we come up to Him. He Himself comes to us – to our weariness, uncertainty, doubts, and despair. In the most ordinary moments, He quietly touches our hearts and speaks through our anxiety, reminding us, “I’m by your side.”

Sometimes we try to “reach out” to God through discipline, prayers, good deeds – and that’s important. But Advent reminds us that God always takes the first step. Faith is not an effort to please Him but a response to His initiative.

The same way that He once came to Mary, He comes to us today with these words: “Do not be afraid!” For His grace always precedes our actions.

Ask yourself:

• Where can I see today that God is already acting first?
• How can I answer Him, as Mary did: “Let it be to me according to your word”?

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for always taking the first step. Teach me to notice Your presence in ordinary things. Work with my heart, so that I respond to you with trust and obedience. Amen.