Scripture:
“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. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High… his kingdom will never end.’” – Luke 1:30–33
Devotional:
Mary was just an ordinary girl in a small town. She wasn’t powerful or famous, but she loved God. One night, her quiet world was shattered by the appearance of an angel. Gabriel’s first words must have startled her heart: “Do not be afraid.”
Then came the message that changed everything: she would give birth to the Son of God. The Savior of the world — the one people had been waiting for — would come through her.
Mary could have said no. She could have let fear win. But instead, she chose trust. With faith that was stronger than her fear, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
That’s the power of saying yes to God. He doesn’t wait for us to be perfect. He looks for hearts that are willing. Just as He chose Mary, He chooses us to be part of His plan. He whispers to us, just as He did through Gabriel: “Do not be afraid. Trust Me. Say yes.”
The angel’s message wasn’t just for Mary — it’s for you too. Will you trust Him enough to say yes?
Application:
How do you think Mary felt when she saw the angel and heard God’s plan?
What is one way you can say yes to God today, even if it feels scary?
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for sending Gabriel to Mary with the good news of Jesus. Thank You for showing me that You use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Help me to trust You, even when I am afraid, and to say yes to You with my whole heart. Amen.”
Family Advent Activities
1. Paper Plate Angel with Handprint Wings (Quiet Craft)
Cut a paper plate in half for the angel’s body.
Trace the child’s hands on white paper; cut them out as wings.
Glue the wings to the plate and decorate with glitter, stickers, or crayons.
Add a pipe cleaner halo. Write “Do Not Be Afraid” on the angel’s robe.
Tie-in: “Gabriel told Mary not to be afraid. This angel reminds us that God’s plan is always good.”
2. Angel Message Relay (Active Play)
Write parts of the angel’s message (“Do not be afraid… Jesus is coming”) on index cards.
Hide the cards around the room.
Kids run to collect them one by one, then arrange them in order.
When the message is complete, read it aloud together in joy.
Tie-in: “Gabriel carried God’s good news to Mary. We can share the good news of Jesus too.”
Recipe Options:
1. Angel Cookies
Use sugar cookie dough and an angel-shaped cookie cutter.
Decorate with white or yellow icing and sprinkles.
As you enjoy them, say: “The angel brought Mary good news — Jesus has come!”
2. Angel Wings Pretzels
Dip pretzel twists in white chocolate or yogurt coating.
Place two together to look like angel wings.
