This Christmas Season – Embrace the Impossible

As the Christmas season draws hearts toward the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that with God, the impossible becomes possible. Consider the story of Mary – and specifically her response in the face of an impossible situation:

²⁶ Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

²⁹ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

³⁴ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “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. ³⁶ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.”

³⁸ Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:26-38 (emphasis added)

As we review the Christmas story, take note of Mary’s posture of humility and service which provides a profound example: demonstrating how faith give access to the impossible.

Mary’s Humility and Obedience

Mary’s response to God’s plan exemplifies humility and submission, prerequisites for seeing God do the impossible. In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel informs her that she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, despite being a virgin. Mary’s reply, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word,” demonstrates her willingness to accept God’s will without hesitation.

Her attitude underscores the importance of embracing God’s plans, even when they defy human logic or seem beyond personal capability. Mary’s faith was active; she didn’t just resign herself to this fate, she willfully and purposefully accepted this calling from God – and postured herself to do God’s will. This sets a precedent for us as believers to adopt a posture of humility and willful submission to God, ready to step into the call that God has for each of us.

The Power of Active Faith

Active faith is essential for overcoming obstacles. In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus teaches that faith must be coupled with action. After cursing a barren fig tree and seeing it wither, He tells His disciples that if they have faith without doubt, they can command a mountain to be cast into the sea, and it will happen.

This passage illustrates that faith isn’t passive. It requires believers to speak and act confidently, trusting in God’s power rather than their own. The “mountains” symbolize formidable challenges or obstacles. By exercising active faith, believers engage with these challenges, expecting God’s intervention to achieve what seems impossible.

The Danger of Misplaced Trust

When talking about faith – we must look at, “Where are we placing our trust?” Misplaced trust hinders spiritual growth. The story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-27 serves as warning. The young man seeks eternal life and claims to have kept all the commandments. However, Jesus identifies his wealth as an impediment. When told to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Jesus, he departs in sorrow, revealing that his trust lies in material wealth rather than in God.

This story is a warning against allowing anything—be it wealth, status, personal ambitions, relationships, or even our own self-righteousness—to occupy the primary place in one’s heart that belongs to God alone. Such things become idols, diverting trust and devotion away from Him. See the contrast between this young ruler, and Mary, the mother of Jesus? One walked away in sorrow, the other submits and says “…according to your word.”

Jesus’ words in this passage reminds us of Gabriel’s that the ability to do the impossible are possible only through God: “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Conclusion

Embracing the impossible necessitates humility, active faith, and exclusive trust in God. Mary’s acceptance of her role in God’s plan highlights the importance of obedience without reservation. Jesus’ teaching on faith demonstrates that belief must be accompanied by decisive action. The rich young ruler’s story serves as a warning to guard against placing trust in anything other than God.

Believers are called to:

• Adopt a Humble Posture: Like Mary, willingly accept God’s plans, even when they challenge understanding or seem daunting.
• Exercise Active Faith: Engage challenges with confidence in God’s power, speaking to the “mountains” and expecting them to move.
• Examine Trust: Identify and remove any idols or misplaced dependencies that detract from wholehearted devotion to God.

The central argument is clear: With God, the impossible becomes possible. This truth demands a response—to trust fully in Him, act on that trust, and ensure that nothing obstructs the relationship between the believer and God.