Wednesday, December 20, 2023
“Blessings and Responsibilities”
On this fifth day before the arrival of Christmas, I’d like to take a moment to reflect upon something the Church calls, “The Annunciation” (Luke 1:26-38). It’s the moment when the Angel appears to Mary and delivers the news that she has been chosen to be the mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The whole scene is bizarre to comprehend. If it wasn’t for some of the creative artwork by both ancient and modern artists, I’m not sure how I would envision this event. It’s impossible to imagine the depth of Mary’s response, even though we all have some experience with figuring out teenagers.
Mary’s response to this incredible gift is amazing. Yes, she is honored more greatly than any other person in the story. However, this great gift and honor undoubtedly arrives with great responsibility. “Duh”, any clear-thinking individual should say. But let’s take a moment and consider the blessings God has provided to each of us. Did those blessings arrive without a need for responsibility? Did our employment not arrive with a need to be a good steward of our ability, authority, and cash? Did our children not arrive needing our care and provision? Did the love of our life not arrive with a need for honor and respect?
Anything we receive carries responsibility with it. When I dream of my most desired gifts, I often dream of hitting the lottery or something similarly big, but gifts like that must carry incredible responsibility. Sure, I would personally like to experience that kind of burden, but could I handle it? Probably not and that’s why I haven’t hit it…yet! (I will still try!)
Christmas became a reality as the spoken Word of God arrived through an Angel. The Word was spoken to a young woman who probably didn’t know enough to be skeptical or doubtful about taking this responsibility. Sure, she was a teenager; we get that part of it. But if we had received that kind of a Word from God could we say, “Yes, Lord”?
If you automatically shake your head “No”, stop for a moment. You’re not giving yourself enough credit. Maybe we aren’t Mary. Maybe we aren’t as good and faithful people as we should be. But if God handed us an incredible blessing at a young age that also arrived with great responsibility, wouldn’t we try it, especially if we didn’t have full knowledge of what it meant?
I got ya’ there. I also got myself. Both you and I have been there and done that but we probably messed up somehow. Mary didn’t. She is a model of our Faith because she didn’t mess up what God gave her. She carried the burden so we could set the table with milk and cookies a few days from now.
Mary is incredible. If you aren’t sure why the Church pays so much attention to Mary, read this little article again. God made you incredible, as well. Where is God leading you this Christmas to say “Yes” to God’s Blessings and Responsibilities?
“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 1:38, ESV)