Luke 1:26-28

"The Lord is with you."  What comforting words in such a perplexing time.  I wonder if Mary knew what was about to come, just from these words of Gabriel. I wonder if she had any inclination that she was about to be given the most incredible news the world had ever heard.  No matter what she thought, felt, or wondered, Mary knew one thing for sure...the Lord was indeed with her.  Gabriel didn't say, "The Lord was with you in the past," or "The Lord will be with you in the future."  Gabriel told Mary that the Lord was with her.

This is the first hint we get as readers to the unexpected and extraordinary thing that is about to happen:  the incarnation of God.  The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was preparing to enter the world as an infant, to be with us in the most intimate way possible.  These five little words, "The Lord is with you," are the most amazing words the world has ever heard.  Just as these words brought hope and comfort to Mary, these words continue to be our hope and our comfort.

As we come closer to the celebration of the birth of our Lord, let us be reminded of the beauty and wonder of the incarnation.  Let us stand in awe of the extraordinary love that has stand in awe of the extraordinary love that has been lavished upon us, and let us sincerely ponder what it means for the Lord to be with us.

Gracious and Loving God, thank  you for loving us so much that you came to be with us.  We ask that you would give us the courage, comfort, and strength to live a life that is worthy of our calling.  Let us be witnesses to the wonder and glory of your incarnation, living with the confidence that you are with us. Amen.

Melissa R. Koerner

Senior Student from Ft. Collins, Colorado

President of the Student Services