The Humility of Mary

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

Luke 1:29

Mary's response to the angel Gabriel appearing to her and announcing God's favor on her shows her humility. It was a wonder to her that she should be chosen for such an honor. She didn’t think, “Well, of course an angel would appear to me. Of course, I am highly favored by God.” No! She was very perplexed, greatly troubled by what the angel Gabriel had said to her. She wondered or pondered what this could possibly mean because she was so humble.

This is another way in which Mary shows us an important qualification for being used by God. One that we often overlook and under appreciate. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 

Are you proud? If so, God opposes you. How can He use someone He is actively opposed to? No. If you want to be used by God, then start by humbling yourself. Because “God shows favor to the humble.”

How can you humble yourself this Christmas? Maybe, you can start cultivating humility in your life by focusing more on others this Christmas than you do on yourself. And maybe, you can even go one step further and strive to focus more on God this Christmas then you do on others and yourself. Make your Christmas about Jesus this year.