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The story continues
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' Luke 1:29 -33
Reflection
Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, 'Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus, He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. He will rule the people of Israel for ever, and his kingdom will never end.' Wow, what a line! His kingdom will never end! I wonder if Mary was more or less confused after the angel spoke again. Maybe even more, but I expect she was comforted too. We all need to hear 'don't be afraid' or 'God is pleased' with you at times. I wonder if you have ever had good news. Heard an exciting promise? Imagine hearing 'you will get a puppy for Christmas' or ‘we are going to Disneyland'. Imagine how Mary felt, a young peasant girl – your son will be a king, not just any king but the greatest king of all. I wonder if God chose such a young person because somehow children and young people believe in exciting things, wilder things more easily. Maybe an older person would have said – I don’t think so, or I imagine he really means a very good carpenter!
Action
Imagine God says to you 'don't be afraid' or 'I am pleased with you'. Many people are asking you just now 'What do I want for Christmas?' Here’s a new question to ask your self 'What might God want to give me just now?' Close your eyes imagine God is standing before you, he asks you to stretch out your hands, and he takes something from his pocket to and places it in your hands. What does he give you? Kirsty Hook
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