Luke 1:34-37 (NIV)

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there a miracle you need for God to do in your life right now? What is it? 
  2. How does the reminder of Elizabeth’s miracle help you believe in God’s ability to work in your life, even when it seems unlikely or impossible?
  3. How can you prepare your heart to receive God’s promises, even if you don’t fully understand how they will come to pass?

Devotion

In today’s passage, we see a moment of doubt and wonder from Mary. Upon hearing the angel’s incredible announcement that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God, Mary asked, “How will this be?” After all, she was a virgin, and such a thing seemed impossible. The angel’s response, however, was filled with assurance: “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Mary’s situation may have appeared impossible, but with God, the impossible becomes reality.

The angel's explanation helps us understand that God's ways are not bound by our limitations. Mary’s child would not be the product of human effort but of divine intervention. It’s also significant that the angel reminds her of the miracle happening in Elizabeth’s life—her relative, once considered too old to have children, was already six months pregnant. The miracle in Elizabeth’s life serves as a tangible reminder that God can do anything, regardless of our age, circumstances, or expectations.

Verse 37 brings us to an important truth: "For no word from God will ever fail." This is the heart of the Advent message. God’s promises are always true and reliable. Even when we don’t see how things could work out, we can trust that God’s word is powerful enough to accomplish anything He sets out to do. As we wait for the arrival of Jesus this Advent season, let us remember that with God, all things are possible, and His promises will always come to pass.