Joy: A Countdown to Christmasနမူနာ

Choosing Joy Imagine being a young, unmarried woman in first-century Israel when being pregnant and unmarried meant you could be put to death. Think about what it would have felt like to have to walk into your living room and tell your family, and your fiancé, that you’re pregnant… with God’s son. That’s the situation Mary was in when she said to the Angel of the Lord, “May everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:38) It’s easy to look back on that moment in Scripture and glaze over the magnitude of what Mary was being asked to take on and give up. And yet, when God sends an angel to her, Mary responds with faith-filled obedience despite the risk of gossip, scandal, ostracization, and even death that could accompany her “yes.” Later, as she reflected on God’s faithfulness, she chose to joyfully praise the God who had never failed her. Today we hope you’ll remember that you, like Mary, are chosen and highly favored by the God who loves you and has great plans for you. Whatever situation you find yourself in right now, remember that God has never failed His children, and He’s not going to start with you. Right now, take a moment to reflect on Mary’s response to God’s plans for her. Ask God to help you walk through life with that sort of faith-filled obedience and joy. Pray this Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your steadfast love and that nothing is impossible for You. Lord, in every situation and season, help me to fix my eyes on You, and praise You because You are faithful. I love You, and today I choose to worship You.