Luke 1:26-56. 1 Peter 2:4-5

“Meanwhile, back in Nazareth….” Following on from Zechariah’s place in the birth narratives, and with expectation building, we come to a reminder of an Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 7:14) that is responded to with praise, despite the less than ideal circumstances. In 1 Peter 2:4-5 rejection is included, but so is determination and resilience so that God’s people would be “built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”.

Now we sit with Mary and ponder her sacrificial circumstances – a virgin, pledged to be married, but now pregnant… This wasn’t going to be an easy journey for her, and disgust and rejection wouldn’t be far way. Yet, Mary embraced the sacrifices she would need to make, and responded to the Lord’s will with praise.

Are we willing to live that kind of sacrificial life so that when the Lord calls us to serve Him, our response is one of praise and readiness?

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