Indeed you will conceive and give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus (Luke 1:31)
Many churches that celebrate March 25 as the anniversary of Mary were given news by an angel of the Lord. This day is honored as a commemoration of the angel's announcement to Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. In our success-oriented society, this celebration is a needed reminder to acknowledge and rejoice at the beginning of God's work in one's life. We do not hold back the joy of a success.
Because we often read Luke's Gospel at Christmas, we may forget that there were 9 months of believing and waiting from the time Mary responded to Gabriel's revelations until the birth of Jesus. When we read Mary's words of surrender in the context of this waiting period, we will gain additional understanding: "Indeed, I am God's servant; it shall be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Mary must have received great encouragement when her cousin said, “And blessed is she who believed, for what was said to her from the Lord will be fulfilled” (v. 45).
We can celebrate a beginning by giving a hug or a handshake to a new believer who professes his faith in Christ. We could write an encouraging note to a friend who has chosen to obey God's word.
Let us seize every opportunity there is to celebrate the beginning of God's work in the lives of others —DCM
THE HUMAN SPIRIT FLOWS WITH HOPE
WHEN IT WAS RELEASED BY AN ENVIRONMENTING WORD
WHEN IT WAS RELEASED BY AN ENVIRONMENTING WORD
*) Take from Daily Reflections