The Unknown  

The Christmas story can become familiar after hearing it several times. Similarly, you might still enjoy your favorite movie after the hundredth time, but the twists and turns do not come as a surprise anymore. Over the next four days, the challenge will be to reconsider the cast of Christmas and what their story might mean for you this Christmas season. 

Today, we begin with the story of a young teenage girl, Mary, who was engaged to be married to Joseph. In Luke 1:26, we discover that Mary lived in a small town called Nazareth. From what little we know about Mary up to this point, it seems as though she is an unimportant girl from an unknown village. 

In Mary's day, the world did not see her as complete until she was married. Her small town gave her no credit or influence in life. Yet, despite all of this, God sent his messenger, an angel, to Mary. The Creator of the universe comes knocking on the door of an unimportant girl in an unknown town. 

What are the first words spoken to her? "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" (Luke 1:28 NLT). Mary, a young girl, is given the title of a favored woman. Mary, a nobody from an unknown town, is told that God is with her. God didn't choose a family of wealth or a woman of nobility to bring His Son, Jesus, into the world. He chose Mary. 

Reflect: If God invited Mary into His story, how might He invite and use you in his continued unfolding story? The king of kings was born to a poor teen mom. If you feel unknown, God sees you and has a purpose for you. 

Pray: "God, I praise you that you do not look at me as unimportant or not valuable. Thank you that I am not unknown to you. Lead me in the purpose you have for me and help me to have eyes to see other people the way you see them."