Role To Play - Week Four/ December 21, 2025/ Stacie Bartels

Life often feels overwhelming, just as it did for young Mary when the angel Gabriel appeared with life-changing news. Before delivering his announcement, Gabriel called Mary highly favored and told her to rejoice. He didn't promise to change her difficult circumstances, but highlighted the joy already present because she was beloved by God. We can become highlighters of joy for others by truly noticing people, speaking encouragement out loud, and bringing moments of lightness to their days. This doesn't mean ignoring real problems, but helping people see goodness and possibilities they may have lost sight of when life became too much to handle.