I have often reflected on Mary’s essential role in God’s plan for salvation. But it usually gets lost as the Yuletide season arrives. 

During Christmas time, when we see Santas in bright red suits, the Christmas trees stand erect glimmering, Elves on the shelves are up to mischief, toy advertisements abound in every form of media, the aroma of sprinkled sugar Christmas cookies from the oven of many kitchens, and the familiar tunes of Christmas music floating through the air, all of which dominates the landscape of our world (sometimes too early) by Thanksgiving. 

Oh, we will see a smattering of nativity scenes and lighted angels on the lawns of America. All of these Christmas aspects are why Advent is so important to us. Advent can help us focus on what happened in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago.

When I stop to think about how Our Blessed Mother was only about 14 years of age when God dispatched the Archangel Gabriel, the heavenly messenger to the city of Galilee, in a small town named Nazareth, said to Mary, 

“Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.”

Luke 1:28-31

We don’t know what Mary was doing at the time. Was she praying? Was she doing chores? While the Bible doesn’t share the details, what is certain is that God reached out to Mary to tell her that she was a highly “favored one.” Other translations say, “full of grace.” Mary’s first recorded words in the Bible is a question to Archangel Gabriel, 

“How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.”

Luke1:35

Some people may look at this statement as if she had weak faith, similar to when Gabriel visited Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah, and questioned the angel. How are the questions viewed differently? Mary believed, and Zechariah doubted. Zechariah actually told the angel that he “didn’t believe my words” (Luke 1:20) 

But Mary was asking for details. When she was asked to be the Mother of the Son of God, she needed to reevaluate her plans. Wanting to fulfill the will of God in her life, she needed to ask important questions. How can this be? Please tell me the details so I can cooperate with God’s plan. Far from doubting, our Lady was pondering Gabriel’s astonishing message and was asking for guidance in carrying out God’s will. (Listen to Your Blessed Mother – Mary’s Words in Scripture by Gary E. Zimak)

Then Mary replied to Gabriel, 

“I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed.

(Luke1:39)

I have marveled at Mary’s obedience to God. How I wish I always said “YES” when I feel God’s nudge in my life. What I find even more remarkable is that during this time in history, an unmarried woman found with child out of wedlock would have been stoned. She knew this to be true. Yet, she still accepted God’s plan by saying yes. 

Mary’s words remind us we should ask questions much like she did. If you feel God is asking you to do something but are unsure it is possible, ask God for details. Ask the Blessed Mother to pray for you for clarity. While there is no guarantee of an answer of details, there may be an answer of ‘Trust me.”

God loves us so much that he gave us the gift of free will. Free will is tricky! When God asks us to do something, we can respond yes or no and move on with our lives. How often do we make critical decisions based on how we feel? Take time for prayer and give your challenges and opportunities to God. Much like our Blessed Mother did when she said YES and played a critical role in the greatest gift Our Lord gave us, allowing us to choose our salvation.

Wishing you the blessings of Christ’s birth and joy in the New Year.

Kathie Gautille

P.S.

In 2024, I hope you will invite the Blessed Mother to take your challenges and opportunities to her Son, Jesus.

Who better to ask for intercession than Jesus’ mother?!