Mary was loved and chosen, 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 serves as a pivotal moment in this divine narrative, demonstrating the connection between God’s love and His choice.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

Luke 1:30

Consider the word “found” used in this message. Gabriel didn’t say earned based on merit or service, but found as in learned or discovered. From this launching point, we discover that being chosen by God isn’t merely an act of kindness; it’s a compelling expression of His love.

Understanding Mary’s Humanity

Before we explore the broader implications, let’s dispel some misconceptions about Mary. Depending on your church background, there can be a temptation to glorify her, losing sight of her humanity.

In some church traditions, holiness, righteousness, and even perfection as been added to her character, but that’s simply not in the text. Mary was not a distant, unapproachable figure; she was a First Century teenager, betrothed to be married.

Rather than attributing unwarranted holiness to her, let’s view Mary through the lens of a young woman chosen by God for a miraculous role. Simply put, God lovingly chose Mary because she was seeking and willing.

The Connection Between Love and Choice

There’s a connection between God’s love and choice that becomes evident in Mary’s calling to be the mother of Jesus. This connection extends beyond the Christmas story, impacting our understanding of God’s love in our spiritual journey.

God’s Spirit moves and calls us not because of our merit but because He loves us, even before we reciprocate that love. The same God who lovingly chose Mary still lovingly chooses people like you and I.

To explain this further, consider two earthly examples that revealing theological truths: Marriage and Adoption

Marriage as a Covenant of Love and Choice

Marriage mirrors the divine covenant found in the Gospel. Just as two individuals choose to intertwine their lives in marriage, God, through Christ (the Groom), chose His Church as His eternal Bride.

“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

The ongoing choice to love in marriage isn’t just a ceremonial commitment. It’s an ongoing, day-by-day, through the highs and lows, life-long choice to love. This loving choice reflects God’s enduring commitment for His people because of and through Jesus.

Adoption as a Pledge of Love and Choice

Adoption is a deliberate choice to embrace someone not born of one’s flesh; an act of love breaks through societal norms and offers an illustration of God’s loving choice. Earthly adoption echoes the theological concept of spiritual adoption.

“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

God’s love chooses us, grafting us into His eternal family through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have been adopted, not based on our merit or sacrifice, but according to the holiness and sacrifice of God’s Son, bestowed upon us as a free gift of grace.

Through Jesus, you have found favour with God.

As we reflect on the angel’s message to Mary, we realize that God’s choice of Mary was a choice of love. Similarly, God’s choice of each one of us is a sovereign expression of His love.

Through the miraculous birth, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection of Jesus, God declares His unwavering love for humanity. In Christ, we are not merely recipients of mercy but sons and daughters in God’s eternal family.

This Christmas, don’t miss the personhood of Mary. She was a teenage girl who was simply seeking God and willing to be used by Him. In her seeking, she found favour with God, and He lovingly chose her. Let’s not add to the story.

Instead, let’s respond to our invitation to be loved and chosen by God. This Christmas, let us celebrate the truth that we are chosen by a heavenly Father who, through His Son’s sacrifice, extends an invitation to all who believe.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How has the understanding of God’s intentional choice deepened your sense of being loved by Him?
• In what ways do you resonate with the practical impact of accepting God’s love in your daily life?
• As Christmas approaches, how can we actively pray for a heightened awareness and acceptance of God’s love in our lives?