Advent (Dec 8)

Hey everyone! Pastor John Harris here.
Listen to this: Luke 1:30 — “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, because you have found favor with God.’ ”
Mary is terrified. Totally normal. She just got the wildest news ever. And the angel? He doesn’t start with rules. He doesn’t say, “Figure this out.” He says: “Don’t be afraid. You have found favor with God.”
God’s favor comes first. Before the miracle. Before the baby. Before anything makes sense. That’s huge. God’s favor isn’t something you earn. It’s His gift. And it’s enough. Right now.
Here’s the deal for us today: fear hits. Life shakes us. And we panic. But God’s favor? It’s still true. Stop. Breathe. Believe. Receive it. Let it calm you. Let it push back the fear. Let it remind you—you are not alone. God is for you.
So today, when fear whispers, whisper back: “I have found favor with God.” Let it sink in. Let it give you courage.
And if you want to catch up on any of the Advent devotionals so far, or review them later, go to johnmarkharris.net.
Let’s pray. God, thank You for Your favor. Thank You that it comes first. Calm our fears today. Help us walk in courage. Amen.