Devotional
The angel’s message to Mary contained perhaps the most astounding truth ever spoken: ‘You will give birth to the Son of God.’ Think about what this meant. The God who had been unapproachable would now be huggable. The God who knew everything would need to be taught how to walk and talk. The God who spoke creation into existence would humble Himself to learn human language from His teenage mother. This is the beautiful paradox of the incarnation. The all-powerful God chose to make Himself absolutely vulnerable. He who needed nothing would need everything—food, shelter, protection, love. He who was perfectly independent would become completely dependent on human care. Why would God do this? Because love makes us vulnerable. True love always involves risk, sacrifice, and the willingness to be hurt. God’s love for us was so great that He was willing to experience every aspect of human existence—from the trivial irritations of family life to the worst horrors of pain and death. This means that when we face difficulties, we don’t have a distant God who can’t understand our struggles. We have a God who has walked in our shoes, felt our pain, and experienced our limitations. He knows what it’s like to be tired, hungry, misunderstood, and rejected. He’s been where we are, and He’s with us now. The vulnerable God is also the God who understands us completely and loves us perfectly.
Bible Verse
‘The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.’ – Luke 1:30-31
Reflection Question
How does knowing that God made Himself vulnerable for you change the way you approach Him with your own vulnerabilities and struggles?
Quote
“This God who is all powerful has laid down his glory and made himself absolutely vulnerable.” -Pastor Jerry Madden
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for making Yourself vulnerable so that You could understand my life completely. Help me to trust You with my own vulnerabilities, knowing that You’ve experienced everything I face. Thank You for Your perfect love. Amen.