JANUARY 5, Luke 1:26-31, 46, 47 

God sent the archangel Gabriel to announce the special birth of Jesus to Mary. Who was Mary? She was a devout woman. She was betrothed to Joseph and a betrothal in those days was similar to someone getting engaged to be married today. But the commitment to marry is stronger.

Some of you may have Roman Catholic friends and they put Mary on par with Jesus, giving her the respect and honour we do not find in the Bible. From today’s reading, we will learn a few things about Mary that would tell us she was a wonderful woman. For God to select her from among all other Jewish women, she must have been special. But like us, she was a sinner too.

In verse 28, we read that she was blessed by God. Not that she was blessing others, She had found favour with God and enjoyed the wonderful blessing of being chosen to be the human vessel through whom Jesus would be born. Verse 31 tells us that the angel told her to name her child Jesus, which means Saviour. Every time she called Jesus, she was reminded that she, too, needed Him as her Saviour. In verse 46, we read that Mary was grateful to God and called Him Lord; meaning she was to serve Him and was clearly not His equal. Finally, verse 47 shows that she regarded God as her Saviour, a reaffirmation of verse 31.

Roman Catholics believe they should pray to Mary and that Mary can intercede on their behalf with God. Some of them also believe we should also pray to holy men who have died, whom they call saints. However, we find none of these practices taught or even practised in the Bible.

Dear child, Jesus is the only Saviour of the world. He has taught in many passages that only through Him can we find salvation. Let us just consider one verse – John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”.

Thought: Only Jesus, Always Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s reminder that only Jesus saves. I humbly ask that You would help me to learn more about Jesus as this month’s reading focuses on my precious Saviour. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.