Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

‘“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”’ (Luke 1:38—NIV)

During Advent we are reminding ourselves of that famous prayer in Matthew 6:9-10, which says: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” It might seem odd to reflect on what Jesus taught well after His birth, but His birth is a realisation of this prayer as He brought the glory and kingdom of heaven to earth. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12) but also said to His disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a) indicating God’s desire to bring the kingdom through His people. Mary was a vessel through which God’s kingdom came. She had a gigantic task in mothering Jesus but she responded with what one Bible Commentator describes as a model response to God’s unexpected vocation. How does God want to bring His kingdom through you? And what will be your response? May we be willing as Mary was willing.