You who are highly favoured!

I think a good Christmassy 'Simple Thought' begins with something from the real Christmas story.

Nothing about North Poles, and Santa 'Clauses', or naughty or nice lists...or a lump of stupid coal as a threat for better behaviour.

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. Luke 1:26-30 niv

I will keep this real simple because the point here is simple...

God wants his favour to rest of you.

Not because of how special or not you are.

Not based on your talent level.

Not predicated on what others think of you.

But because God wants to give His favour to you.

Remember Mary is not shocked because of His divine pregnancy plan being told to her yet.

She is not surprised that an angel would suddenly appear.

What bakes her noodle is that God would tell her that His favour is on her.

Someone who is not special in the world she lives, is seen by God himself as more than special enough to receive His favour.

I think that is pretty cool! 

And that should encourage you because most of us are just like Mary.

We are not that special compared to everyone else, and yet God chooses to favour us.

Outstanding!

May you go into this Christmas Season wearing that as your christmas jumper?

May it cover you and show you and others just how special you are to God.

Something to think about...