Okbe Zemede St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church 5333 St. Bernard Ave. New Orleans, LA December 8, 2013

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (Luke 1.31) The Angel St Mary “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1.38) 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. 37 ” For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke ) recognizing her limited knowledge, St Mary asks, “How can this be?” v34 How is it that a virgin will give birth to a child?

 Even while being “full of grace” than all men and all the angels, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant,” for a humble heart recognize God's special favor, in order to humble itself even more.  We don’t see a sign of, “I deserve this” in her words, thoughts and her deeds – instead we see humility  As St Mary experienced God’s goodness, she saw her own littleness more clearly, and she said, 38 “I am the Lord’s servant”  Attributes of a righteous – (Prov 10:31) St Mary’s humility (Luke 1:26–38)

Accept the will of God with no excuses St Mary teaches us in deed & word that God’s will is better than our will, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1.38) St Mary teaches us in deed & word that God’s way is better than our way St Mary’s Obedience (Luke 1:26–38)

Hence, St Mary offered her body as a living sacrifice to God St Mary The Message to us  As faithful Christians, we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God  As faithful Christians, we are called to live according to God's will “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1.38) – In accordance to God's will

 Romans 12:1-2 says, 1 I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Offering ones body as living sacrifices to God (Luke 1:26–38)

 To offer your bodies as a living sacrifice = true and proper worship.  To do God’s will = to die to self (own) will & surrender to the will of God (Matt 24:45-46)  I am the Lord's servant... May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:38)  St Mary gave Him full permission to work His will in her life.  Her submissiveness enabled God to do the impossible (incarnate) in her life Offering ones body as living sacrifices to God (Luke 1:26–38)

 If anyone makes the house of God unclean, God will put an end to him; for the house of God is holy, and you are his house. 1 Corin 3:17  Christ wants to dwell in the undefiled house that is made up of his own hand (Acts 17:24-25).  The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him... 1 John 3:24 Offering ones body as living sacrifices to God (Luke 1:26–38)

 The importance of dwelling in one’s heart(house).  When addressing the crowd during his return from exile in 1980s, Pope Shenouda III said, “I have no residence except in your heart”  Think of the ones who don’t reside with you but who dwell in your heart (ex. may be your parents who has departed but have special place in your heart) Offering ones body as living sacrifices to God (Luke 1:26–38)

 Is an invitation to submit your self to God.  Is an invitation to be humble in front of God.  Is an invitation to believe that what is impossible to man is possible with God (think of a virgin giving birth).  Is an invitation to respond with faith, as Christ is born anew in our lives daily.  That is the message of the annunciation to us today. The message of the annunciation to us (Luke 1:26–38)

Glory Be To God Forever, Amen!