“Then the angel (Gabriel) told her: “Don’t be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.’” Luke 1:30-31
As the father of three boys, I stood amazed watching each of them enter this world. I marveled at this precious gift of life from God. Though I was obviously a part of this life-giving miracle, I can only imagine what my wife experienced as each child developed in her womb. What was it like to feel her child growing, and moving within herself for nine months? No wonder there is such a bond between mother and child that we dads can only watch with awe.
In the midst of this Christmas season, it helps (if we have any hopes of keeping our focus on the true reason for the season) to step back from the busyness and ponder what Mary was experiencing as she found favor from God. Did she grasp the incredible gift she was given being the mother of the Messiah, the Son of God? Could she even comprehend it? It is a great wonder and blessing just to be a woman with a baby growing inside. But to know this baby was destined to become King of kings and Lord of lords would truly be unfathomable. She would bring a life into this world who would become the ultimate giver of life by restoring us all to fellowship with the Father.
Imagine what it was like for Mary as she and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem so late in her pregnancy. Then to find no decent room in which to give birth, she found herself in a stable instead. If that didn’t make her wonder about God, the visit from the shepherds did. Their testimony made an impact on her:
“But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.” Luke 2:19
Christmas is supposed to be a time when we marvel at the gift of love God provided in the Christ child. Unfortunately, we often get so distracted by decorations, gifts, and preparations for the meals that we miss the awe and wonder of it all. Let’s take a lesson from Mary and make time to ponder all these things in our hearts.
After the visit from the angels, the shepherds went to see what they were told about. “They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke 2:16-18
Let us also be ones who excitedly share the news about the Christ child!
Blessed by you…Bro. Sherman
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