You don’t have to be a star to be in God’s show.
If you lived in Israel in 4 BC, Jerusalem was the place to be. It was the cultural, religious, and political hub of the Jewish world. Men carried more weight than women, and older women commanded more respect than teenage girls.
Today, the world’s attention is on cities like Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Tokyo, or Singapore. Status comes by a multi-million-dollar sports contract, a blockbuster movie deal, viral record sales, or TikTok fame.
In both contexts, Mary, a young Jewish girl from the obscure town of Nazareth, wouldn’t have made anyone’s “most likely to succeed” list.
Mary came from a devout but humble family. Her life turned upside down when an unexpected visitor brought astonishing news (Luke 1:26-38). The angel, Gabriel, told her she would conceive a son named Jesus, the Son of the Most High. He would inherit the throne of David and reign forever. His kingdom would never end.
For Mary, this wasn’t just startling—it was dangerous. She wasn’t married. People would assume the worst, and her fiancé, Joseph, initially decided to break things off quietly. Few believed her story about the Holy Spirit’s involvement. Her social standing, already low, dropped further.
But Gabriel brought reassurance: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Her response was remarkable: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Mary Fit the Bill
Mary wasn’t a trendsetting Taylor Swift, a basketball prodigy like Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese, a political pioneer like Kamala Harris, or a style icon like Princess Kate. She didn’t need to be. God saw her faith and obedience and chose her to fulfill His incredible plan.
Mary’s song, recorded in Luke 1:46-53, reveals why God chose her. She praised Him in the midst of her challenging circumstances. She acknowledged His greatness, His mercy, and His justice. She rejoiced in being part of His plan, even when it meant personal sacrifice.
God’s Other Choices
Mary wasn’t the only young woman God used. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of girls and young women stepping into His plan:
• Miriam watched over her baby brother Moses floating in the Nile River until his rescue by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:1-10). Moses later led God’s people out of slavery.
• The daughters of Zelophehad advocated for their rights, influencing Israel’s laws and preserving their family’s inheritance (Numbers 27 & 36).
• Naaman’s servant girl pointed the Syrian general to Elisha, whose miraculous healing foreshadowed God’s plan to bring salvation to the nations (2 Kings 5).
• Esther, as queen, risked her life to save her people from destruction, ensuring the Savior’s lineage would continue (Book of Esther).
• Rhoda, a servant girl, recognized answered prayer when the Apostle Peter was freed from prison, even when others doubted her (Acts 12:1-19).
Even young Timothy, mentored by the Apostle Paul, was told, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy’s sincere faith, nurtured by his grandmother and mother made him a key partner in spreading the gospel.
These stories remind us that age, gender, or social status are no barriers to being used by God. He calls people of all backgrounds to join His work. Like Mary, you don’t need fame or worldly power to be a part of God’s plan. Your experiences, circumstances, and faith are enough when surrendered to Him.
God sees you. He values your faith. And He invites you to carry out His purpose in your time, in your place.
Merry Christmas!
