Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 

In 12 short verses, the angel Gabriel reveals to Mary that she will birth the Son of God. Can you imagine being hit with that kind of news within a matter of minutes, and the tremendous life implications it would have? 

Mary could lose her fiancé, her family, her home and be shunned by society. She could essentially lose her life as she knew it, and all at just 14-yrs-old. And yet astoundingly, this teenager puts all her trust in God. Willing to risk everything, Mary replies, “Let it be with me according to your word.” 

We often consider the phrase “Let it be” a passive one. And there is a sense of submission to God’s word and will. But the Greek root for this phrase takes on more active meanings as well, like “to become, to arise, to come upon the stage.” So what if it’s both a submission and a commencement? 

What if like Mary, we could be courageous enough to take the risk and say to God, “Let it be with me according to your word”? What would happen? Perhaps there would be things beloved to us we would risk losing, parts of life that might come to an end. But it might also be a chance for us to arise in life and to come upon the stage God has set for us. 

So when life places you in perplexing or fearful circumstances, try whispering the phrase, “Let it be.” It might just be the beginning of a new and wonderful journey in your life that you could never have planned for yourself. Just look at the tremendous impact Mary’s three little words had on the world. 

Prayer: O God, as we celebrate the joyous birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, may we remember the words and actions of his faithful teenage mother. Grant us a similar courage to be open to your unexpected plans for our own lives. In your Son’s most holy and precious name we pray, Amen.  

Christi Brown

About the Contributor

Christi Brown is the Pastoral Associate for Missions. She enjoys ministry that encourages others to serve the Lord with their gifts and which brings the community together in faith. She also loves spending time with her husband Kelan and daughters Lettie (8) and Ella Jane (4.5).