Luke 2:13-14 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

“…on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Favor from God leads to peace.  How does one experience such favor?

Read Luke 1:26-33 

Mary is chosen to be the mother of Jesus because she was highly favored. What qualities about her led to such favor from God?   We have been given names of the grandmothers of Jesus—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and now Mary. 

Each one tells a story of God’s heart—mercy, grace, heart for all people, forgiveness. 

What is Mary’s distinction?  She is the one most important in knowing God’s heart and what he values.  Of all the women of history, what woman will God choose to be the mother of Jesus?

Who does God favor?  Why does he favor them?  How can we experience the peace of His favor?

Isaiah 66:1-2 “This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
    Where will my resting place be?
² Has not my hand made all these things,
    and so they came into being?”
declares the Lord.

“These are the ones I look on with favor:
    those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
    and who tremble at my word.”

The One Who God favors has these three qualities:

1. Humility
2. Contrite in spirit.
3. Fear and respect for God’s Word.

Does Mary fit the profile of one whom God favors?  Luke 1:38, 46-55

Luke 2:13-19 After the birth and the jubilation of angels and shepherds Mary treasured up all these things internally and then reflected on their meaning. 

Mary was humble and came from a humble context.

Mary’s spirit about her need for God and his mercy was certainly contrite.

She submitted in respect and holy fear to the Word of the Lord.

We too can experience the full presence of God’s peace and favor as we approach him with a humble and contrite spirit with commitment to His Word in how we live to bring glory to Him.

We now reflect on the humble arrival of the Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.