“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. Luke 1:34–35
Heavenly Father, though Jesus had only one mother, we are thrilled to be among the countless number he now indwells by the Holy Spirit. As surely as you placed the life of Jesus in Mary, you have done the same for us by the Gospel. Christ-in-us is our only, but sure, hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
But the thought us-like-Christ is where we cry out with Mary, “How will this be?” According to your Word and promise, one Day we will be as lovely and as loving as Jesus (1 John 3:1-3; Rom. 8:29).
We will be free from all selfishness, sin, and self-pity. We’ll never think a sin-shaped thought or speak an unkind, unloving word. Never again will we weaponize our feelings to blame, shame, or hurt others. We will only choose loving you and others with everything we have and are.
Indeed, Father, when and how will this be? You answer back in your Word so grace-fully. “What I have begun in you, I will complete. (Phil. 1:6). Things impossible with you are possible with me.” Our response is like Mary’s, “May it be as you have promised, Father.” We also add, “Could you make it soon?” So very Amen we pray in Jesus’ wonderful and merciful name.
