March 25, 2025
Today’s Reading: Luke 1:26-38
Daily Lectionary: Genesis 35:1-29; Mark 9:33-50
[The angel answered her,] “For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:37-38)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
This isn’t the way that parents usually find out they are having a baby. There was no pregnancy test, no excitement and fear for a couple, no looking at calendars or dates. There was just an angel, a virgin, and a promise. When Mary asked how this would be since she’s a virgin, Gabriel simply replied that nothing is impossible with God. The Lord of Life established a normal way for babies to be given life— but that doesn’t mean that He can’t create babies in an extraordinary way. Jesus, the Lord of life Himself, was conceived of Mary in an extraordinary way without a human father. After all, nothing is impossible with God, and in this way, God in the flesh is conceived. That’s why we celebrate this holiday nine months before Christmas.
Mary, the new mother, responds in faith: “Let it be to me according to your word.” She has no more questions about how this will take place but simply recognizes God’s action in her life and in her womb. Mary is called to a unique role. No one else is the mother of God in the flesh. Jesus only has one mom, and she’s it. No other woman is called to bear the Savior of the World.
Yet, Mary is an example to every Christian as she hears God’s promise and reacts in faith. When the Lord speaks the truth to you, it doesn’t matter if it makes sense or if that’s usually the way things work or if that’s the way you would do it. What does matter is that God accomplishes His will and that He is merciful and gracious to you. The Lord Jesus was born of a woman, under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:4-5) You are redeemed and rescued from sin because God makes and keeps promises to you.
Today, confess your faith in the Lord. You are His servant. Let all things be for you according to His Word. The Lord of life has come to save you from sin, death, and the devil. Join in the faith of the whole Church, including Mary, that Jesus has come to save His people from their sins.
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
O Lord, as we have known the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, by the message of the angel to the virgin Mary, so by the message of His cross and passion bring us to the glory of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.
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