Merry Christmas, dear reader. Tis' the season for Christmas cheer and reminders that Jesus came to save us all from our own sinful hearts. A time to REJOICE!!
Baby Jesus, perhaps less the "celebrity" of Christmas than He was in the previous years. But, there's much more to His story than just, well, Him. Let's not forget the very woman who brought Him into the world, Jesus's mother, Mary.
This Christmas season, so far, has left me continuously thinking about Mary. Of course I'm not trying to take the focus of Christmas off of Jesus in anyway, I'm merely inviting you to journey with me in your minds. Think about Mary.
Many scholars believe that Mary was in her early teenage years when God conceived Jesus into Mary through the Holy Spirit. Can you imagine? Mary was largely a child herself, and the Lord chose her to carry His only Son...The Savior, the one that paid so preciously for our sins, each and every one of them, on the cross around thirty years later. It was Mary! The average, teenage girl.
Through Mary, God showing you and I something that is so valuable. The Lord chose Mary not because of her age, looks, or fitting qualities she had. He chose Mary because of her FAITH. He knew that Mary alone wasn't fit for the task. Who would be fit for such a task? No one. But God knew that Mary would take on the armor of God. God knew that Mary would allow Faith alone to equip her and that God would be faithful to her in taking on this task.
What faith Mary had to risk shame, trials, comfort and so much more because she was willing to do whatever God had asked her to do.
It wasn't just emotionally that Mary was devoted to God and His plan for her. Let's not forget that Mary was pregnant with Jesus just like any other woman. The nine months was just as uncomfortable, if not worse, back then than it is today. Jesus grew inside of Mary. To think practically, she probably gained weight, grew out of her robes and had to buy new ones, she may have experienced morning sickness and she had baby Jesus through natural child birth...no pain killers! Mary's faith was so strong and she was so willing to do the will of God that she gave up her body to God's service, too.
Mary was amazing, am I right? But, it's more than just respect, readers. Mary is more than a good story and a pretty face in the nativity scenes. She is an example for us all. Mary gave all she had to the service of God, even her body. Her doubt was overcome by faith. God chose Mary, just like He chooses you to overcome trials, discomfort, whatever it may be for doing what God has called you to do.
We have all been there. We get persisting thoughts about plans or actions to take, we prayerfully consider which way to go, we talk to friends who know just what to say and we are sure that God is speaking right through them guiding you. Readers, He is. But, then there is that reservation, the excuse. "Well, I'm afraid of..." or "I'm not good at..." or "I'll do it later..." or "God can't use someone like me..."
Fight back on the false thoughts with faith. Look at Mary, friends! She was an average teenager and she carried the Messiah in her womb! God quipped Mary through her faith and the Holy Spirit living inside of you. God will not call you for His service and leave you to fend for yourself. He is working, strengthening, and seeing you through to the next call.
Sure, it may be outside of your comfort zone, sure it may seem impossible or scary, but so is sending your son to Earth. More than that, sending your son to Earth and knowing the suffering he will undergo, all for the sake that you may live- live your life for Christ. Free from the bondage of slavery and made a servant to Christ so that others may know life. If God has done this for you...how can you stay sedentary.
You have nothing to give but your plans. God blessed Mary with a son whom she loved and nurtured; He will surely bless you also if you would endure by faith and take on the faith of Mary. Live out your faith in fearless reverence and service to your Savior.
Just imagine what a body of believers were capable of doing with the fearless faith like Mary's. It's you, it's me, reader, it's time we believe like Mary did.
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