Daily Readings (Page 194)

Mary’s doubts remind us of our own shortcomings in trusting God fully.  How may we learn to trust God completely?

A second assurance was given to Mary: “you have found favour with God.”  As a recipient of grace, she became a channel of grace.  Let’s pray that we may be a channel of grace as well.

Joseph and Mary were God’s chosen ones to bring Jesus into our world.  The angel’s announcement was: “you who are highly favoured”.  Be thankful that we are also “highly favoured” to have received God’s salvation.

The key phrase here is “God sent…”.  Reflect on the work of God in sending His Son for us.

The third joy has to do with the Child to be born.  Who is this Child and what will he do?

The second reason for joy is that enemies will be defeated soundly.  Who are these “enemies” today?

Isaiah explains the overflowing joy in vv4-7.  The first has to with breaking of all human oppression.  How are humans oppressed today and what can we do about them?

How will the nation be multiplied and what will characterise them?

Who were the “people who walked in darkness” and how would they be surprised?

Why was there gloom?  What has this to do with the coming of the Messiah?