Nothing is Impossible
" . . . 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.'
. . . 'Here am I, servant of the Lord,' Mary answered. 'Let it be with me according to your word.' Then the angel left her" Luke 1:26, 38.
Consider spending time with this painting by Carmelite friar Fr Filippo Lippi from the 15th century.
Look at the picture of Mary's conversation with Gabriel. What do you notice? How does the image illuminate and deepen your understanding of the biblical text?
Has there been a time when you experienced the "in-breaking" of God? What has been the lasting impact of your response?
Do you see yourself as having a part in God's unfolding plan? What might it mean for you to say, "Here am I, servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word"?
At the end of the day, make a list of times you felt God's presence. You may be surprised at how many times God broke into your life today.
*Questions from Meditations on the Birth of Jesus by Miriam Dixon and Margaret Campbell for Renovare.
JUDY