Day 17 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar focuses on one of the most powerful and quietly courageous moments in the Christmas story: Mary’s yes.

This episode explores the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to a young woman in Nazareth and told her she would give birth to the Savior of the world. Mary’s response was not fear, argument, or resistance, but humble trust: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

The Story of the Annunciation

The story comes from Luke chapter 1, where we learn that Mary was likely a teenager, engaged but not yet married, living an ordinary life when God interrupted her plans. The angel Gabriel called her “highly favored,” declaring that God’s grace was upon her in a unique and world-changing way.

Mary asked honest questions, but she did not refuse God’s call. Instead, she trusted God with her reputation, her future, and her safety. Her obedience stands in sharp contrast to the power structures of the world, showing that God often works through the humble and overlooked.

Joseph’s Faithful Response

The episode also highlights Joseph’s role in the story. When he learned Mary was expecting a child, he planned to divorce her quietly until an angel appeared to him in a dream. Joseph’s obedience protected Mary and affirmed God’s plan, reminding us that faith often requires quiet courage.

Together, Mary and Joseph model what it looks like to trust God when the path forward is unclear.

Why Mary’s Yes Still Matters

Mary’s response to God marks the beginning of the incarnation. Her willingness made room for Jesus to enter the world, bringing salvation, hope, and peace. This moment reminds us that God still works through willing hearts today.

For more background on Advent traditions and the Christmas story, explore additional episodes in the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar archive.

To learn more about Christmas traditions and biblical history from around the world, visit WhyChristmas.com.

Come back tomorrow for Day 18 of the Lifespring! Advent Calendar as we continue opening the story of Christmas together.