Giving Thanks? What is Missing?

The angel went to her (Mary) and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28

To read the whole account of the angel appearing to Mary, click here:  Luke 1:26-38

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

“What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

I really hate that question. While I genuinely love hearing about all the fun gatherings my friends and family are planning, it stirs up an ache inside me—a sense of disappointment and exclusion that’s hard to shake. Instead of a bustling kitchen and a table crowded with loved ones, I’m faced with quiet moments that feel empty.

The question makes me long for what is missing. Spending time with loved ones, sharing laughter and heartfelt conversations. An atmosphere that makes me feel truly special and cherished.

Then I asked myself, “In my longing for something that’s missing, am I missing the very thing that my heart is truly longing for?”  

I pondered this as I read the story of the angel appearing to Mary, in Luke chapter one. Here we witness Gabriel appearing to Mary, a young teenager who was betrothed to Joseph. As she awaited the day Joseph would take her home to be his wife, Mary may have felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling inside her.  Her heart fluttering with anticipation for the new life and family ahead, while her mind raced with questions about what joys and challenges the future might hold.

Suddenly, Gabriel burst in, radiating a light that flooded the room and announced that Mary’s world was about to change in ways she could never have imagined.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke says, “she was greatly troubled at his words.” Can you imagine her thinking, “Highly favored? Who me? I am just a simple girl, born into a poor and insignificant family. I am nothing special.” The angel proceeds to unfold the rest of his announcement. Mary, this lowly young girl, who had never been with a man, would become pregnant and give birth to Jesus, the Son of the Most High God.

This miraculous announcement would result in turmoil in her life. She would be looked down upon, ostracized, and possibly even stoned to death. Who would believe that what was in her growing in her womb was conceived by the overshadowing of God’s Spirit upon her.

But the angel, Gabriel, comforted her anxious thoughts, saying, “Do not be afraid; you have found favor with God.”

There is that word “favor” again. The word in the original language means, “grace on the part of a giver, favor, kindness.” It does not signify that Mary did anything to deserve such grace. Instead, God invited her into His story of birthing Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, into the world to save all of us.

This word “favor” is only used one other time in the New Testament. In Ephesians 1:6 it says, 'to the praise of His glorious grace and favor, which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ]. '

Mary responded to this miraculous gift of grace by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant . . . May your word to me be fulfilled.”

As I reflect on Thanksgiving 2025, I sense Jesus inviting me to remember that being "God's favored one" is a gift—freely given, not earned by anything I have done, but rooted in His love. Even if I never receive another blessing from my Heavenly Father’s hand, the gift of His Beloved Son is enough. From the very beginning of time, He saw each of us, pursued us, and offered us His grace. Because of this, I am inspired to respond in surrendered joy as Mary did, “I am Your servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.”

Prayer – Jesus, forgive me when I look for significance in places apart from You. Today, when I find myself longing for a sense of belonging that makes me feel truly seen and cherished, gently remind me to embrace the miracle of being pursued and loved by You. You, Jesus, the Son of the Most High, His Beloved, bestowed on me all the favor I will ever need.