Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God".
LUKE 1:30
God’s favor is a gift of love and grace that He shows to those who are humble, contrite, and tremble at His word. It is not based on our deserving or merit, but on His love and grace. If you want to have God’s favor upon your life, you need to think more of others than yourself, ask for forgiveness when you sin, and tremble at His word. You also need to trust in His promises and obey His commands. God is faithful and He will reward those who seek Him with all their heart.
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then 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. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “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. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)
God is always present in our lives, even when we don’t feel Him or see Him. He is always watching over us, guiding us, and loving us. He is the source of our joy, peace, and hope. God is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere at all times. There is no place where He is not. He fills the heavens and the earth with His glory. He is not limited by space or time. He is closer to us than our own breath.
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!” But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. (Isaiah 7:10-14)
Christian mindfulness is the awareness of God’s presence in every moment of our lives. It is a simple spiritual discipline that helps us to tune in to God’s voice, to appreciate His gifts, and to worship Him in all we do. Christian mindfulness is not a complicated or mystical technique. It is simply paying attention to God and His activity in our lives. It is being grateful for His blessings, being attentive to His guidance, and being responsive to His call. It is living each day with the awareness that God is with us and for us.
The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6)
If you want to practice Christian mindfulness, you can start by setting aside some time each day to be still and quiet before God. You can read His Word, pray, meditate, or listen to worship music. You can also practice Christian mindfulness throughout the day by noticing God’s presence in the people you meet, the beauty of nature, the events of your day, and the feelings of your heart. You can thank Him, praise Him, ask Him, or tell Him anything. He is always listening and always speaking.
God is always present in our lives, and He wants us to be aware of Him. He wants us to enjoy His presence and to share His love with others. He wants us to live in His light and walk in His ways. He wants us to be joyful, because He is our joy.
Lord, grace and favor are gifts from You that fill our lives with joy and peace. They are the signs of Your love and care that never fail and never cease. Grace is the pardon that we receive
When we confess and repent our sin. It is the power that sets us free and makes us whole and new within. Favor is the blessing that we enjoy when we walk in obedience and faith. It is the favor that opens doors and makes us fruitful and prosperous. Thank You so much for all the graces and favor that comes from You alone, not earned or bought but freely given. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Infancy Narrative
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Luke 1:26-38
II: Immanuel Prophecies
BIRTH OF IMMANUEL
Isaiah 7:1-25
First Book of Psalms 1-41
THE GLORY OF GOD IN PROCESSION TO ZION
Psalm 24:1-10
Reflection Source:
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