December 2, 2021 -  Luke 1:26-38

God works in extraordinary ways, His wonders to perform. Often, we take the amazing acts, wonders of His powers and the daily ministry of the Holy Spirit as commonplace events. They are anything but common place. The beauty of a sunrise and the exquisite composition of a flower in bloom reminds us of God's handiwork in the everyday, normal realm of life.

Adding a supernatural facet to the natural realm, affords the opportunity for some to experience a miracle. A definition of a miracle is an act of the immediate power of God intervening in the connection of natural causes and effects. He does not violate His own laws, suppress, or hinder them but simply inserts a new catalyst to fit His purpose. That mechanism is the Holy Spirit who operates sovereignly to accomplish His Divine purpose for that moment.

Mary, an apparently devout young woman is suddenly confronted by an angelic being that brings an announcement to her which is naturally impossible. This young woman would conceive and bring forth a Son! Her natural response is to question the messenger, since she had not known a man. The reply was, God would do an unbelievable feat and a Son would be born!

The miraculous work of God would be such that the normal law of impregnation would be adapted by the Holy Spirit and Mary would bear a Child from God. From conception, this Child was to be the promised "Son of the Highest" (v.32), "the Son of God" (v.35). The miracle the nation of Israel had been waiting hundreds of years for was about to transpire. Mary calmly and devotedly gave herself to the plan and program of this angelic messenger. Her reply was, "Let it be to me according to your word" (v.38).

Miracles are not going to happen in our lives as it occurred in Mary's, but we need to be sensitive and submissive to the will and plan of God. Mary's attitude was what set her apart and permitted God to accomplish His plan through her. As we go through the day, allow the wonder and glory of God's work to fill us with awe. Take in the beauty and extraordinary power of God's majestic creation! Then give Him praise for the miraculous work He has done through obedient people. Rejoice that the power of God is still at work confirming the words of the angel, "For with God nothing will be impossible" (1:37).