Dear friends in Christ,
This Saturday, the church celebrates the feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary. For a moment, the solemnity of Lent is set aside for the radiant joy of the Incarnation.
It wouldn’t be hard to write a whole book on this liturgical feast day and its assigned scriptures. For today, let’s just observe two things. First, Mary’s courage and strength are a witness for us all. She had the faith to say yes to the angel’s invitation in circumstances that must surely have been puzzling or, more likely, terrifying. We should all follow’s Mary’s example when God calls us to new and uncomfortable places. Her “yes” is a one-word testimony to faithfulness: God’s faithfulness to us, and our faithfulness to God.
Second, God can do the seemingly impossible. Too often, I see us give up on situations that seem impossible. We think those two nations will never live in peace. We imagine an estranged relationship cannot be repaired. We think the church will shrink into irrelevance. We accept the idea that there must be very rich and very poor. But the Annunciation is our annual reminder that with God, all things are possible.
As we approach this numinous feast, I wish you every blessing. May we all have the faith to join Mary in saying, ““Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
More from our ministry:
Which woman speaks more than Mary in the Bible? Find out in Bible Women
Prepare for joy at the end of Lent: Easter Triumph, Easter Joy
From the Grow Christians archives on this feast: Surprising and disrupting news
Look for – and nurture – Signs of Life and spiritual growth in your church