When the Beatles sang “Let it be,” they captured a truth deeper than they realized. Inspired in a dream by Paul McCartney’s memory of his mother, Mary, the phrase reminds us of another Mary who surrendered her life to something far greater than herself. Jesus’s mother, Mary, uttered these very same words - let it be.
At Christmas, we celebrate the moment Mary said to the angel Gabriel, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). This isn’t the lesson of Christmas, but it’s a powerful one: when we surrender to God’s Word, He reframes our identity and births something new in us.
A Humble Beginning, Reframed by God
Through natural eyes, the birth of Jesus looked like failure:
Joseph, rejected in his ancestral town, found no place for his family.
Mary gave birth not in a home, but in a stable.
The Savior of the world was laid in a manger, surrounded by animals.
Yet, through God’s eyes, every detail carried purpose.
Bethlehem’s rejection fulfilled prophecy: “But you, Bethlehem... out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2).
The manger became a throne, signaling that Jesus came not for the elite, but for everyone.
Angels celebrated His arrival, proclaiming the King’s identity to shepherds in the fields.
It’s interesting to think that even the painful details of our story can be used by God to forge our purpose. Places we didn’t want to be and people we would have rather not have been with can be used to confirm God’s Word in us and through us.
Remember, Jesus’ beginning wasn’t defined by its simplicity but by what God spoke over Him:
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
God’s Word reframed the story, turning rejection into redemption and humility into glory. Your birth story isn’t the final word, either.
Like Jesus, your beginning might feel humble, messy, or marked by rejection. Maybe words were spoken over your life that created limiting beliefs:
“You’ll never amount to anything.”
“You’re too broken.”
“You’re not wanted.”
But here’s the truth: God’s Word over your life is more powerful than any circumstance or label. He doesn’t see you through the lens of your beginnings—He sees you through the lens of His promises.
What God says reframes your identity:
“You are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
“You are a new creation in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22).
As it always is with God’s Kingdom, the way into this journey of transformation isn’t easy. It’s a path of surrender. Joseph surrendered to the process and chose to stick with Mary. The couple surrendered to their difficult season and made the walk to Bethlehem. Mary’s identity was forever changed by her willingness to surrender to the angel’s promise. She didn’t ask for perfection or guarantees. She simply said, “Let it be.”
The same God who spoke purpose over Mary’s life is speaking over yours. He can take the rejection, the pain, and the humble beginnings and birth something new—something extraordinary. But it requires your surrender. Sometimes you just have to go to God and say, “let it be.”
When God speaks a promise to you that doesn’t make sense, say “Let it be to me according to your Word.”
When you reflect on the past year and see your deficiencies or failures, declare God’s promises over your life. “Let it be to me according to your Word.”
When you think about the discrepancy between where you’ve been and where you believe God is taking you, declare in faith “Let it be to me according to your Word.”
Let it be to me God, according to what you are saying and doing. I believe that you are doing something larger than I can see. Let it be.
Your story isn’t limited by your birth, upbringing, or past. In God’s hands, it’s being reframed into something full of purpose and promise. Let it be, and watch what He will do.