Luke 1:30-32, "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.'"

Think

Life in first-century Israel was certainly no cakewalk for an unwed expecting mother; the consequences were extreme. So, imagine Mary as a young girl facing public scorn, social alienation and possibly even death by stoning. Yikes! Therefore, Mary could have been bitter. She could've said, "Why me, God?" and begged for Him to choose someone else - but she didn't. With a servant's heart, Mary responded with great enthusiasm at having found favor with God. "Enthusiasm" means "in God." It comes from two words: en theos. Mary placed her faith in God and eagerly said, "I'm willing to do whatever God wants." This means for us to be used by God, we, too, must respond with enthusiasm! The Bible says we have nothing to fear when we place our trust in God and are eager to serve Him. How do you respond when God calls on you to serve? Because chances are, nothing He asks of us could be as consequential as what He asked of Mary. Enthusiasm is contagious, so help it spread this Christmas season with a willing heart to do whatever, whenever God wants to use you!

Act

Express your enthusiasm for God's house by inviting others (especially those who might not regularly attend church) to experience Christmas at Fellowship Church.

Pray

God, I seek for Your will to be done in my life. Give me the courage, faith, and enthusiasm of Mary to do whatever you ask of me. Use me, Lord, I avail myself to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.