Most Highly Favored Lady

It's my Friday hibernation day when I try to pull together thoughts that will somehow create a sermon for the saints of Seneca Presbyterian Church - for good or ill. This week I've been pondering the Annunciation - that wonderful story when Gabriel visits Mary to tell her that she is to be - or ask her if she would be (the distinction is significant) -  mother to the Christ child, to the one we know as Jesus of Nazareth, son of Mary, the very presence of God in human flesh and blood.

As Protestants we come to Mary with a very different perspective than our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. Certainly she is a remarkable human being. Certainly it is a mystery why God chose her of all women to be the mother of the Messiah. Certainly the story and the theological truths behind the story are fascinating and rich.

But as I begin this day of pulling together my thoughts, I am fascinated by the word "favored." I'm also intrigued that when the angels announce the Good News to the shepherds, our modern translations say "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those whom he favors."  Just what does it mean? Have you ever felt "favored"? Does God "play favorites"? How does God intend for us to understand what it means to be favored?

So tell me - what do you think it means to be "favored" by God?