Favor with God

The angel went to [Mary] and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:28-30 NIV)

Today's praise:

• We praise God for his favor upon mankind that he would send a Savior to rescue us from our sins.

Today's prayer topics:

• An angelic appearance, visceral fear, awe and wonder, then the angel speaks: "You are highly favored. The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid." Words he still speaks over us today.
• In the nine months that followed, how many times did Mary remember those words. In times of criticism and harsh words, abandonment and desperation, discomfort and pain, pray we remember we are favored by God who is with us always, speaking words of comfort and assurance. 
• In a dark place? "Do not be afraid." In deep and endless pain? "You are highly favored." Feeling all alone? "The Lord is with you." Pray we allow his words to bring comfort and peace on this eve of the Savior's birth.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.