Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty…” (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Truly, this principle presented by Paul to the Corinthian church is firmly established in God’s choosing of who would bring forth the Messiah. In the quiet backwoods of Galilee, in the humble town of Nazareth, a pivotal moment in history quietly unfolds. Mary, a graceful and modest virgin, finds herself at the center of God's redemptive plan.

She was poor in humanly appearance, but she was rich in God’s graces — chosen before the world was formed to be the one and only humanly mother of the Messiah who would save the world. No wonder the angel Gabriel entered into her presence declaring, “Rejoice highly favored one, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women!”

In my opinion, this introduction to Mary was not part of Gabriel’s official announcement from the Lord. I think he had been waiting to say those words for millenniums! Things which angels desire to look into, as the Apostle Peter says. (see 1 Peter 1:12)

Mary's story is a vibrant illustration that God often chooses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His mighty works. Her selection as the mother of Jesus wasn't marked by worldly splendor. But in the economy of God's kingdom, the humble and meek are often the chosen vessels for the greatest of His works.

But why now? Why this specific moment in history did God decide to become incarnate? Paul reveals in Galatians that Christ’s coming was not random but precisely orchestrated.

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4–5)

Israel, once a united and powerful kingdom under Solomon, had become fragmented and subdued under Roman rule. Jerusalem, the city of David, had lost much of its former glory, replaced by a temple renovated by a ruler of questionable heritage: Herod. But it is in this era of political and spiritual turmoil that Mary is chosen. She herself was not only humble, but her residence was as well. She resided in Nazareth, a place far removed from the religious and political giants of Jerusalem.

This selection speaks volumes about God's way of working: He often starts His greatest works through people we overlook, in places we least expect.

From Mary’s simple life, the Savior of the world, the Majestic King destined to ascend David's throne, would come forth. Her story beautifully echoes the Psalmist's words:

“The LORD lifts up the humble…” (Psalm 147:6).

Dear Beloved, this narrative invites us to appreciate the wisdom of God in choosing what the world often despises. It challenges us to find His majesty in humility and His power in simplicity. May we learn to see His hand in the humble and the ordinary, and may we be ready to play our part in His divine narrative, just as Mary did.