Understanding God’s Plan through Mary’s Story

Christmas is more than just a celebration of Jesus' birth—it's a celebration of the impossible becoming reality. When we examine Mary's story, we discover profound truths about faith, God's power, and why Jesus had to come into the world exactly as He did.

What Made Mary's Calling So Shocking?

An Unexpected Visitor

Mary was likely in her early to mid-teens when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. She was probably reading Scripture or going about her daily routine when suddenly an angel stood before her. The angel's greeting was startling: "Rejoice, highly favored one. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women." Gabriel told Mary she was chosen by God for a special purpose—she would conceive and bear a son who would be called Jesus, the Son of the Highest, who would reign on David's throne forever.

The Impossible Problem

There was one enormous problem with this announcement: Mary was a virgin. She had never been intimate with a man. When she asked, "How can this be since I do not know a man?" she was expressing a biological impossibility. This is where we learn a crucial truth: with God, nothing is impossible. The same God who created the world, parted the Red Sea, made the sun stand still, and prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah was about to work in Mary's life in an unprecedented way.

How Did God Make the Impossible Possible?

The Power of the Holy Spirit

The angel explained that "the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God."

This wasn't just a miracle—it was a necessity. For 700 years, the Jewish people had read Isaiah's prophecy: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

Mary's Response of Faith

God needed one thing from Mary: her willing submission. He doesn't force Himself on anyone, whether for salvation or service. Mary responded with incredible faith: "Behold, the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Mary didn't fully understand what God was asking of her, but understanding isn't always necessary—faith is. Sometimes having faith is more important than having knowledge.

Why Did Jesus Need to Be Born of a Virgin?

The Problem of Human Sin

The oldest book in the Bible, Job, asks a crucial question: "How then can man be righteous before God? How can he be pure who is born of a woman?" This question gets to the heart of humanity's problem. Every person has a human mother and a human father. Because of this, we inherit a sin nature. Romans 3:23 tells us "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 5:12 explains that sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and spread to all mankind.

The Need for Pure Blood

To be right with God, sins must be forgiven. Hebrews 9:22 states that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." But the one shedding blood had to be blameless—His blood had to be pure. Since all humans born of human fathers inherit sin, no ordinary man could die for another's sins. This is why Jesus had to be born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What Made Jesus the Perfect Sacrifice?

Fully God and Fully Man

Jesus had to have an earthly mother to be truly human—because humanity needed a man to die for mankind. But He couldn't have a human father because that would make Him a sinner like the rest of us. Instead, Jesus had the blood of God running through His veins. Acts 20:28 speaks of "the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."

The Perfect Arbitrator

Job lamented that there was no arbitrator who could "place his hand upon us both"—linking man to God. Jesus became that arbitrator. On the cross, He literally stretched out His arms, linking God with one hand and man with the other. Jesus was completely God and completely man. You can never separate His divinity from His humanity, because if you could, you would sever the link that makes us right with God.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

Jesus Died for Everyone

Hebrews 2:9-10 tells us that Jesus was "made a little lower than the angels" (because angels don't die) so that "by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone."

Jesus didn't just come into existence in Bethlehem—He has always been. But He knew what was required if man was ever going to be right with God, so He freely stepped out of heaven to be born in that manger.

The Impossibility of Salvation Becomes Reality

When you believe in Jesus Christ, the impossibility of you going to heaven becomes a reality. Your status changes—you become a son or daughter of God, a member of His family.

Life Application

This Christmas season, remember that God specializes in making the impossible possible. Just as Mary had to respond in faith to God's impossible plan, we too must respond in faith to His call on our lives.

If you haven't yet put your faith in Jesus Christ, consider that God has done everything possible for your salvation. He sent His Son to earth, to the cross, and raised Him from the dead. He calls you to salvation through His Word. What more could He do?

Like Mary, you need to say "yes" to God's plan. Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for your sins and was resurrected on the third day. When you do, the impossible becomes reality in your life.

Questions for Reflection:

• Are there areas in your life where you're limiting God because something seems impossible?

• How can you respond with Mary's kind of faith when God calls you to something that doesn't make sense?

• If you haven't yet accepted Christ as your Savior, what's preventing you from saying "yes" to God's plan for your life?

• How does understanding why Jesus had to be born of a virgin deepen your appreciation for God's salvation plan?