By“And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.” - Luke 1:28-29 NKJV
My parents taught me how to greet people when I was an infant. And because of that, I’m very familiar with various ways of greeting people in Ghanaian society. However, I sometimes encounter unusual greeting styles in places I’ve been, especially for the first time. To understand these new methods, I must inquire what they mean and how to respond well. That was the same case with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Mary was used to all kinds of Israeli greetings and customs. But when the angel Gabriel appeared unto her, his greeting startled her. She thought, “what manner of greeting is this”? Mary was both confused and afraid. The angel dealt with her fear first before telling her why God sent him to her (Luke 1:31-33). She was favored amongst all virgins in the world to be the mother of Jesus. What a privilege!
When God favours you, it doesn’t mean you’ll not have unusual occurrences in your life. You will, but they will remain mysterious until you ask God for an explanation. Mary was glad to receive the news. But she wondered how it would happen. That led her to probe further from angel Gabriel to explain God’s move upon her life.
This way of God’s operation hasn’t changed. Many people who have done and continue to do mighty things in the kingdom of God once asked Him this question when they discovered their purpose: “what manner of greeting is this?”. This way of greeting God gives to people may not be in the form of the appearance of an angel. It could be a strange divine vision about your purpose or a different way God speaks to people.
As Christmas approaches, remember how Mary asked for more explanation of the heavenly news from the angel; and then pray for God to answer the question about your calling that has made you confused. Merry Christmas!
You’re a blessing.
Devotional label: KGD // 2021 – 351
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