The Love of God Revealed

Mary was loved and chosen by God, and so are you.

The Christmas story is more than just a historical account—it’s a revelation of God’s immense love for humanity. The angel Gabriel’s message to Mary is a pivotal moment in this divine narrative, showing the deep connection between God’s love and His sovereign choice.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30, ESV)

The word “found” is significant here. Gabriel didn’t say “earned” or “deserved” but “found,” as in discovered or recognized. This distinction highlights that being chosen by God isn’t based on merit but is an expression of His love.

Understanding Mary’s Humanity

Before diving deeper, let’s dispel some misconceptions about Mary. Depending on your church tradition, there might be a temptation to elevate her beyond what Scripture reveals. Mary was not a distant or unapproachable figure.

Mary was a First Century teenager who was betrothed to be married. God chose her because she was seeking Him and willing to obey. Therefore, we should view Mary as a real and relatable person, someone through whom God performed a miraculous work.

The Connection Between Love and Being Chosen By God

God’s love and His choice are deeply connected. His Spirit calls us, not because of anything we have done, but because He loves us first. In the same way, the God who chose Mary also lovingly chooses you and me.

To better understand this connection, consider two earthly examples that mirror divine truths: marriage and adoption.

1. Marriage as a Covenant of Love and Choice

Marriage reflects the divine covenant in the Gospel. Just as two people choose each other in love, God chose His Church through Christ, the Groom.

“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'” (Revelation 21:2-3, ESV)

Marriage is not just a one-time ceremony. Instead, it’s a daily and lifelong commitment to love. Similarly, this reflects God’s enduring love for us, which is shown through Jesus.

2. Adoption as a Pledge of Love and Choice

Adoption is a deliberate act of choosing to embrace someone who is not biologically your own. In the same way, God adopts us spiritually, bringing us into His family.

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'” (Romans 8:14-15, ESV)

Through Jesus, God adopts us into His eternal family. He does this not because we have earned it or because we deserve it, but because of His incredible grace.

Chosen by God This Christmas

As we reflect on the angel’s message to Mary, we see that God’s choice of her was rooted in love. Similarly, God’s choice of us is a sovereign act of love. Through Jesus’ miraculous birth, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, God declares His unwavering love for humanity. In Christ, we are not just recipients of mercy but beloved children in God’s eternal family.

This Christmas, let’s remember Mary as a teenage girl seeking and willing to obey God. In her seeking, she found favour with Him and was lovingly chosen. Let’s respond to our own invitation to be loved and chosen by God, celebrating the truth that through Jesus, we are part of His family.

Dive Deeper Into Scripture

• Luke 1:26-38 – Gabriel’s announcement to Mary.
• Romans 8:14-17 – Our adoption as God’s children.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How has understanding God’s intentional choice deepened your sense of being loved by Him?
• In what ways do you see God’s love impacting your daily life?
• As Christmas approaches, how can we pray for a greater awareness of God’s love in our lives?