“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38 NIV)
From the very start, Mother Mary shows immense faith in God. The appearance of an angel is obviously something that would have been alarming. But she accepts and embraces God’s will almost instantaneously. We also note her humility and simplicity. Nowadays, Christmas can often be turned into something extravagant or excessive rather than humble or simple. But the true spirit of Christmas has always been humility. We are reminded through Jesus how humble our God is. He humbled himself to become like us and save us. God could have acted in more dramatic or extravagant ways but he chose to be born in a manger.
Dear Lord, help us have faith like Mother Mary, a faith that accepts everything you have planned for us. Help us to develop a true sense of humility that makes us appreciate you more this Christmas season. Amen.