Luke 1

“He has filled the hungry with good things... remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever” (49). The circumstances of Jesus’ birth (and John’s birth) revealed God’s vast plan to bless the whole world through his Son. The angel said Jesus would fulfill the promises about Israel’s king (29-33), and Mary sang about the poor and humble being lifted up. Yet the story also included interactions with ordinary people like Zechariah, Elisabeth, and Mary – individuals invited to welcome the Messiah, who said yes.

“May your word to me be fulfilled” (38). God’s great salvation in Christ, for everyone, comes to us in deeply personal ways, as we each say yes to his purpose and plan for our lives.