Favoured by God
- Dec 21, 2025
- 2 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 21 2025 | Luke 1:26-28
KEY VERSE: “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28, NIV)
MESSAGE:
In yesterday’s devotion, “The God Who Removes Reproach,” we saw how God turned Elizabeth’s long-standing shame into joy and dignity. Today, the focus shifts from an elderly, faithful woman to a young, ordinary girl. The same God who removed Elizabeth’s reproach now extends His favour to Mary, showing us that His grace reaches both the long-waiting and the unexpected. In today’s passage, Luke 1:26-28, God sends the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, an insignificant town, to a young woman whose life would be forever changed. Let’s look at the lessons from today’s passage.
God’s Favour Is an Act of Grace, Not Achievement.“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth” (Verse 26). God initiates salvation. Gabriel is sent on divine assignment, and Nazareth - small and overlooked - becomes the setting for one of history’s greatest announcements. Mary did not earn God’s favour; she received it. Advent reminds us that salvation begins with God’s grace, not human effort.
God Comes to Ordinary Lives. Nazareth and Mary (Verse 26) represent ordinary settings and people. Mary’s background emphasises humility, purity, and obedience. God’s redemptive work often begins in unnoticed places and quiet lives surrendered to Him.
God’s Presence Transforms Our Calling."Greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you!” (Verse 28). “The Lord is with you” changes everything. Mary is called “favoured,” not because of personal merit, but because of God’s gracious choice. The assurance “the Lord is with you” lies at the heart of Advent - God’s presence among His people. His presence equips those He calls and strengthens them for His purposes.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
How does knowing that God’s favour is based on grace encourage you this Advent? Advent reminds us that God’s redemptive plan moves across generations and circumstances. God does not wait for humanity to reach Him; He steps into human history with favour and love.
PRAYER:
Gracious God, thank You for Your unearned favour and abiding presence. Help me to trust Your grace, to offer my ordinary life to Your extraordinary purposes, and to live with confidence that You are with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: HIGHLY FAVOURED The phrase “highly favoured” comes from the Greek word κεχαριτωμένη (kecharitōmenē), meaning one who has been endowed with grace. It is a completed action with ongoing effect — grace already given and still active.
Mary is called highly favoured before she understands her calling or responds in obedience. God’s grace precedes explanation and mission. He names us by grace before He sends us into purpose.
Reflect on this:
Where might God be calling you to trust His grace before you fully understand His plan?
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