Christ, Born of Mary

Christ, Born of Mary

The Annunciation – 3/25/2025

Luke 1:26-38

Rev. Christopher W. Brademeyer

That portion from God’s holy Word for consideration this evening is our reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke in the first chapter with special emphasis on verses thirty-four through thirty-eight which read as follows:

“And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

Thus far the Scriptures.

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Lord’s Purpose in Taking on Flesh

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, the day our Lord was conceived in the womb of His mother, the blessed Virgin Mary. Mary was a young girl, likely no older than a teenager, and Joseph, her betrothed, was a faithful but otherwise ordinary man. Yet, despite their humble circumstances, God chose them for an extraordinary purpose: to bear and raise the Savior of the world.

This reminds us of a profound truth—God does not choose people based on outward status or worldly achievements. He looks at the heart. And in Mary and Joseph, we see simple yet steadfast faith, the kind of faith that trusts in the Lord’s promises even when they seem impossible.

But why did Christ come? Why did God Himself take on human flesh?

More Than an Example or a Teacher

Throughout history, many have tried to explain Christ’s incarnation in ways that miss the heart of the Gospel. Some say Jesus came merely to be our example, to teach us love and kindness. Others reduce Him to a great moral philosopher or a teacher of self-improvement. And while Jesus certainly teaches us wisdom and love, if that were all He came to do, we would still be lost.

Moral teachings alone cannot erase sin. Self-improvement cannot overcome death. If all we had was a Christ who came to inspire us, we would still stand condemned before God’s perfect justice.

But thanks be to God, Christ came for so much more!

Christ Came to Save Us

Jesus did not take on flesh merely to share in our suffering, but to end suffering by defeating sin and death. He did not come simply to walk alongside us, but to stand in our place, to take upon Himself the punishment our sins deserved.

From the moment of His conception, Jesus’ mission was clear:

• To live the perfect, sinless life we could never live.

• To take the full weight of our guilt upon Himself.

• To suffer and die in our place, bearing the wrath of God so that we might receive His mercy.

• And to rise again, securing for us victory over death and the assurance of eternal life.

This is the true Christ—the Christ who saves. And this is the Christ we need, especially in a world filled with hardship, disease, and fear.

A Hope That Cannot Be Taken Away

We live in uncertain times. Many people place their hope in health, wealth, or security, but these things can be shaken in an instant. The Covid-19 pandemic reminded us all of how fragile life can be. But for those who belong to Christ, our hope is secure—because it does not rest on circumstances, but on the finished work of our Savior.

The world’s empty promises cannot offer true peace. But Jesus does. His death is our life. His suffering is our redemption. His wounds are our healing. And no sickness, no suffering, no power in this world can take away what He has given us.

Conclusion

So as we reflect on the Annunciation—the moment when God took on flesh for us—let us hold fast to the truth of who Christ really is. Not just a teacher, not just an example, but our Savior. The One who came to rescue us, who accomplished our salvation, and who reigns forever.

In the Holy Name of + Jesus. Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.