Highly favored
I wonder what all the key players in the first Christmas story would think about the way we celebrate. They had no idea we would be telling their story more than 2,000 years later.
Time, traditions, heritage, cultures, and families have all merged together to create our vision of Christmas through art, music, pageants, plays, and programs. All over the world, the eternal hope, “Unto us a child is born,” is being proclaimed (Isaiah 9:6).
In reality, the first Christmas was set on a dark and depressing world stage. The atmosphere was unstable—governments, politics, human rights, and religious freedom were all in turmoil. Into this worn and weary world, God chose to use simple, humble people to reveal His magnificent, eternal plan.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
As I read the Christmas story again, trying to soak in every word as if I had never heard it before, one word stuck in my spirit: favored.
What does the favor of God on your life mean to you?
It’s a word often used, sometimes misused—a familiar part of Christian vocabulary. We most frequently associate it with extraordinary blessings or being in an advantageous position. Scoring a parking spot, getting a standby seat, or landing a deal can all make us feel “favored.”
But as I meditated on this portion of Scripture, I was reminded that God’s ways are not confined to simple definitions or predictable patterns. His favor comes in many variations, and not all are designed to bring us comfort or ease.
Many people throughout Scripture are described as having God’s favor. These reflections come from Mary’s life—not because she was sacred or sinless, but because she was humble and lowly in spirit, teaching us valuable lessons.
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.’” Luke 1:26-30 (NIV)
You may not feel favored right now. You might be troubled and uncertain by changes or disruptions God has allowed in your life, and you may have honest questions. But I believe God wants you to know: you are still highly favored and blessed.
After hearing, “You have found favor with God,” the angel delivers startling news (Luke 1:31-33). Mary asks, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34). And while the angel gave her an unimaginable answer, Mary offers no arguments, excuses, or accusations. Instead, she listens with a teachable and open heart.
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)
God loves a meek and teachable heart attitude. Mary yielded her life to God, allowing Him to fill her with the life of Jesus.
God's favor and blessing are built on a yielded heart.
When Mary visited Elizabeth, God confirmed and comforted the young girl through the words of the older, wiser woman.
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” Luke 1:45 (NIV)
God’s favor is for those who believe and take Him at His word—even when circumstances seem unclear or fulfillment feels distant.
Mary’s response to Elizabeth is her testimony. Her personal experience of God’s faithfulness shines through as she proclaims: “He has done great things for me.” (Luke 1:49)
Mary was young, a virgin, and poor. She was misunderstood, judged, and shamed by others. Yet she declared, “He who is mighty has done this for me.” She doesn’t say, “to me.” God is for you. In the spiritual realm, He is doing eternal work—bringing salvation.
Do you believe God has done great things for you?
How do your words reflect your love and adoration for Him?
The story progresses in Luke 2. You probably know it by heart—census requirements, taxes, travel to Bethlehem, no room at the inn. Mary gave birth in a dark, dank cave, laying her baby in a feeding trough. Dirty, excited shepherds arrived, saying angels had sent them, and then ran around telling everyone what they had heard about the Child. Nothing seemed carefully planned or prepared.
And yet, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)
Can you accept that God’s ways are higher than ours, beyond our understanding? Do you have parts of your life you still can’t fully make sense of? I do. Some uninvited changes to my plans have set life on a completely different course. Are you willing to ponder, consider thoughtfully in prayer and rest, and wait with the Lord?
I’ve learned that what seems scary can become sacred when we invite God into our waiting.
Finally, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. God had supernaturally arranged a divine encounter with an aged man, Simeon, who begins to confirm and affirm they are being used to steward the life of Messiah.
“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” Luke 2:33-35 (NIV)
Highly favored? That doesn't sound like advantageous circumstances to me. Pain is a part and privilege of living in the favor of God. Through it, we discover that His presence is fullness of joy. He is the Prince of Peace.
We know the rest of Mary’s story—she didn’t. She raised, prayed for, and eventually released her Son. She stood at the foot of a blood-soaked cross.
The first Christmas was a long-awaited fulfillment of the favor of God toward mankind. It was His declaration of loyal love to His creation: YOU.
His declaration to all people: “Unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
