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The second definition in The American Heritage Dictionary for the word favor states "Friendly or favorable regard; approval or support: won the favor of the monarch; looked with favor on the plan."

This announcement made to Mary was the beginning of a new era. The era of favor. A time period marked by the mercy and grace of God. This new era would begin with a pregnant unwed teenager in Galilee. Just as God found favor with Mary, God would find favor with us through the baby Mary would give birth to in Bethlehem: Jesus. Because of Jesus God finds favor with us. (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

I have heard grace defined as "undeserved favor". It is a free gift from the Creator of everything. We have not earned this favor or done anything to deserve it. In fact, according to the Bible, we have fallen way short of the favor of God. (Romans 3:22-24)

Why would God give us something that we simply don't deserve. Why would God desire to find favor with us? (Titus 3:4-7)

Why? Because of God's kindness and love. God is love (1 John 4:16) and mercy flows from true love. So what is your response today, what is my response, to this undeserved gift of grace, the favor of God? Is it similar to Mary's response as recorded by Luke?

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." (Luke 1:46-47)

God has done incredible things for us, for me. My soul and my spirit rejoice today in my Savior!