What would it have been like to be Mary?
Teenager. Committed to marry a good man (Joseph), but now carrying the Son of God, by a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit!
She would sacrifice reputation, annonymity, the 'traditional' way of marriage and family she had looked forward to...she would be alone, in many ways...yet she was willing.
When the angel came to her and told her what was going on, what was her response?
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her." (Luke 1:38)
Pretty incredible! The maturity, the spiritual strength, the willingness to follow--despite personal sacrifice...pretty incredible!
Yet, after she said 'yes', for the next 9 months, realizing that the Son of God was growing in her...and on that 1st Christmas night, giving birth to Him...her Lord, her Savior, her GOD--that must have been overwhelming and surreal!
Mary fades from most public writings after that..showing up occasionally, but she had done her main role. She had given birth to the Savior of the World! Now she would raise him with Joseph, and then let Him go.
All the while, she would 'treasured up' what happened and "pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19)
My head swims when I try to imagine what it would have been like to be present on that most amazing night in history...but when I consider what it would have been like to be Mary or Joseph...overwhelming!
May I someday grow up in my faith to respond to God like she did: Despite every cost you're asking me to pay, God: 'I am the Lord's servant'.
This Christmas, don't lose the realness of it. Take a moment to consider Mary's story...then watch this video.
Blessed Christmas,
Dave
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