The incomprehensible favour of the Lord

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"Rejoice, HIGHLY FAVOURED one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" said the angel to Mary. 

When I looked at those words, the only thing that kept running in my mind for a while was, "Where is the favour?"

Imagine being betrothed to a wonderful person and your family is planning your wedding. People are congratulating you and you are contemplating your life ahead. Out of nowhere, an angel comes and tells you, there's something else planned for your life.

My first thoughts were, A few more months and things would have been perfect in the human sense. It would have made Joseph and Mary's life easier. She wouldn’t have had to give birth in a manger. Christ wouldn’t have to be born in a lowly stable. Where is favour in all this?
To whom is it favourable?

I guess the 'favour' is God choosing to be with us. Dwelling amongst us as a mere human. Choosing to be born to a humble virgin not of a royal birth. Choosing to be born in a manger instead of a palace. 

His birth is favourable to all people. To Mary, for though her plans were disrupted, God's mighty master plan was beyond her imagination. To Joseph, for God chose him to be the earthly father to Jesus. To the shepherds, for God chose them to spread the good news. To all mankind, for God chose to pay the greatest ransom ever. 

This season, may God give us grace to look at the favour that He bestows on us through His eyes. May He give us grace to trust in His plan and not be blinded by our circumstances. May He help us to have a deeper understanding of who He is!!


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