Full surrender

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “Let it be to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)

Mary was chosen for the greatest privilege God could surely have bestowed upon a young woman. Hers was an unrepeatable ‘one of a kind’ part in the eternal purposes of God for our salvation. But while her privilege can in no way be ours, we must be sure not to put her on a pedestal, placing her out of reach and a million miles away from our experience. She was an ordinary girl, chosen to play her part according to the will of God.

We too have our parts to play. We are all “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” which God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). At the start of 2020, no way had I anticipated some of what was lined up for me in the plans and purposes of God. Nor, probably did you! And as 2020 draws to a close and 2021 beckons, the uncertainty remains. But whatever it is that God will require of us, let’s make Mary’s words our own as we surrender ourselves to the will of our Lord.

May God bless you this Christmas and in the year that lies ahead!

Prayer We draw our Advent reflections to a close with a longer prayer than usual:

Sovereign Lord, like Mary, we too are your servants. Give us ears to hear your living word, and hearing, help us to say ‘Yes’.
When you ask me to venture into the unknown – to be strong, courageous, obedient and faithful, then may it be to me according to your word.
When you ask me to reach out in love – to the indifferent, hostile, unlovely and unacceptable – then may it be to me according to your word.
When you ask me to let go of self – to share, care, give and to sacrifice – then may it be to me according to your word.
When you ask me to go out in your name – to speak, work, love and live for you – then may it be to me according to your word.
Like Mary, may we find favour in your eyes as we surrender our all to you. Amen