Day 2 – When Mary Said “Yes”

In the quiet village of Nazareth, an ordinary young woman came face-to-face with an impossible mission. The angel Gabriel appeared with words that would alter the course of history: God had chosen her to bear the Son of the Most High.

Mary, astonished, asked how this could be. The angel answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the child born would be holy.

In that sacred moment, filled with both reverence and fear, Mary spoke a phrase that would echo through the centuries:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 ESV)

Mary did not understand every detail, but she grasped something essential: if God had said it, it was enough. Her obedience was not impulsive emotion—it was deep trust in God’s character. She believed that the power of the Most High could accomplish what was humanly impossible. That humble, courageous “yes” became the visible beginning of redemption.

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) had prophesied long before that a Child would be born who would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Now that promise was being fulfilled in the womb of a young woman with no title or influence. Mary’s “yes” was not emotional but theological—a complete surrender to divine sovereignty. Her faith rested not on present circumstances but on eternal promises.

The psalmist expressed the same heart when he wrote:

“Behold, I have come… I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:7–8 ESV)

And 1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV) reminds us: “To obey is better than sacrifice.”

Mary embodied that truth—God does not seek outward greatness but hearts willing to say “yes,” even when obedience costs much.

Her surrender foreshadowed the obedience of Christ Himself. Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV) urges us,

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… who humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Mary submitted to God’s will, and her Son would later do the same in bearing the cross. In both, God’s glory was revealed through humility.

Romans 12:1 (ESV) calls us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Every day, followers of Christ have the opportunity to respond like Mary:

“Let it be to me according to your word.”

To live by the Spirit, as Galatians 5:25 (ESV) teaches, means surrendering our desires, choices, and fears to divine direction.

Mary did not demand guarantees or full understanding. She placed her confidence in the One who called her. Tim Keller once wrote, “Faith is not the strength of your belief, but the object of your belief.” Mary did not trust her own virtue or reasoning—she trusted the faithfulness of the God who keeps His promises.

Her “yes” challenges us today. Advent not only celebrates Christ’s birth but also the faith that makes room for Him to be born in us.

In a world that prizes independence, Mary reminds us that true freedom is found in surrender. Real faith doesn’t seek to control God—it rests in Him.

Practical Reflection:

• What areas of your life need a “yes” to God’s will?
• Are you willing to obey even when you don’t understand the outcome?
  
  Pray today:

“Lord, let it be to me according to your word. Teach me to trust Your promise more than my understanding.”