Luke 1:38 (ESV), “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
Pastor Paulson writes about her response:
“Let it be” is not just a prayer Mary utters, it’s also a prayer Jesus musters as he prayerfully awaits his crucifixion. It’s because of Jesus’ prayer “let it be” that we too can confidently pray the same thing. He gave himself for us, which in turn frees us to surrender ourselves to him.
“Let it be” is a phrase of surrender. Surrender can happen in trust or fear. With either motive, surrender to God is better than fighting God. Are you surrendering to the news God brings to you? Do you say to him in the midst of your circumstances, “Let it be?”
When I see the phrase “Let it be” I can’t help but hear the Beatles sing those famous words. The band never claimed that the virgin Mary’s acceptance of the challenge laid out by the angel Gabriel was the inspiration for the song, but the idea fits the lyrics they wrote. Some believers might see this as a stretch, but I find this a beautiful song to contemplate with the Lord; especially in light of the difficulties that life brings my way. The verses of the song, written by Paul Mccartney and John Lennon, are copied below with the chorus included at the end.
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness, she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shinin’ until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Pastor John Riley
Jr. High Pastor