Mary, Did You Know? A Christmas Favorite

A young girl anxiously awaits her baby. The Angel who had visited earlier assured her saying, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."

Imagine what went through her mind as she and Joseph, her betrothed, journeyed to the city of his forefathers for the mandated census which had been decreed by none other than Caesar Augustus himself.

The rich lush fields and meadows surrounding Bethlehem, or as it is known in Hebrew, House of Bread, is where Ruth, Jesse and David lived, overlooking picturesque valleys and farmlands, as sheep grazed on the hillside. This is the birth place of the Baby, Who would later boldly declare, “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35; 51). 

This is where the shepherds had received a message from an angel of the Lord. They were to go and seek out the newly born babe, and pay Him homage, right there in their own backyard. The Lamb of God was born in a stable a short distance from where flocks of sheep were bedded down for the night.  When they shared what the angel had said to them with the new parents and others, everyone marveled. Scripture tells us that “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

I imagine Mary looked lovingly down at her baby boy and whispered, “Welcome to the world, my Son. Be at peace. Your dad and I are here. We love You so much!” I’m sure she vividly recalled the moment when an angel of the Lord visited her with the announcement, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 

She no doubt shook her head as she remembered him saying, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 

What a journey it had been. She had surely seen the Lord God move in miraculous ways since that first greeting by His holy messenger. 

Here is how I imagine some of the more memorable moments she most likely recalled from 

 – After they circumcised their infant son, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him and redeem their firstborn as the law required. They were unexpectedly met by a holy, devout prophet named Simeon. Being moved by the Spirit, he took the child into his arms and blessed God saying, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” She and Joseph were taken aback and marveled at his words. (Luke 2:21-33)

– Mary no doubt remembered how Joseph lovingly brought Jesus as a boy into his carpentry shop as soon as he was able to follow simple directions. He had built him a small bench and gave him his own set of tools to use. She smiled as she recalled the days he spent building little tables and stools. Then, when he turned twelve – Joseph make him a full apprentice in the shop. What a proud day that was in their household! Ever since the incident in Jerusalem, Jesus had been humble and submitted to them in Nazareth – gaining wisdom, stature & favor with men and with God. (Luke 2:51-52)

– During one of their many trips to the Holy City for the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph, supposing Jesus was with their relatives on the return trip, discovered He was missing. Upon circling back to the city, they discovered Him three days later sitting in the midst of the teachers, engaging them and inquiring about the holy scriptures. She and Joseph were amazed, but concerned, asking him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously!” Of course, she readily recalled His answer, “Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:41-49)

– After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, He had several disciples join Him. Just a few days later she had attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee with them. She remembered how embarrassed the family was about running out of wine before the festivities had ended. She recalled telling her Son about their dilemma, and His reply of, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” Though perplexed, she instructed the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Well, what a celebration that was! Not only were the guests enjoying themselves, but the master of the feast was so impressed by the bridegroom’s choice of wine, he publicly commended him about saving the best for last! Of course, she and the disciples knew Jesus had done the miraculous – all as a manifestation of His glory for their benefit. (John 2:1-11)

– Mary had seen and heard so many incredible things while Jesus ministered throughout the region, but none could prepare her for that terrible day when she would watch the unthinkable – His crucifixion on Golgotha. Her Son had endured unspeakable torture and humiliation before His death, and yet, He lovingly presented her to His beloved disciple John to care for as his own mother. She could not comprehend such a selfless gesture as He hung suspended between life and death. Her Son had indeed been a special gift of God… (John 19:25-30)

Be blessed by this touching rendition of "Mary, Did You Know"

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Mary, Did You Know? A Christmas Favorite

It's a Birthday Bash, and You're Invited !

Our family recently celebrated two birthdays:  my mother turned seventy-five (a milestone), and my sister's birthday is the same day!  This year was indeed a special one!  There's nothing I like better than baking their favorite cake, picking out just the right card, and of course, finding the perfect gift to give!   One of my favorite verses to quote for a birthday is Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it."  I like to imagine Father God, sitting in heaven, looking down on my "birth" day saying, "Look at my daughter...isn't she beautiful? Today is the day her family celebrates her birth! That which I have created brings Me such joy!"

Psalm 139:13-17 declares, "For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.  How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"

Gifts are, of course, the grand finale when it comes to the birthday bash!  Despite our best efforts, we can't make the recipient take the gift! That is something that they have to do.  God extends a free gift to us as well.  He offers us eternal salvation through His son Jesus.  No strings attached.  It's a gift that cost Him everything - but it is ours simply by accepting what Jesus did to secure that salvation, namely, His death on Calvary.  John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."  And again Paul states in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  

Sometimes I wonder why someone wouldn't gladly accept a free gift, especially when it comes to their eternal security.  I'm glad God gives us the opportunity to tell others about Him.  When I was still a "newbie" Christian, I purchased bibles for my entire family and gave them as gifts on their birthdays. I don't even know if they have opened them and read them, but nevertheless, I gladly and enthusiastically gave the gifts!  My part is to sow the seed, someone else waters, and God brings the increase (I Corinthians 3:6).  God loves a cheerful giver, and I don't think that just applies to tithing.  The act of giving gifts emulates our Father in Heaven, Who is the greatest giver of all!  I truly enjoy giving a gift and watching the reaction when the recipient opens it!  After all, I spent precious time searching for just the right gift.  Then I carefully and artfully wrapped the gift, using bright colored paper, silky ribbon, and a big fluffy bow. Sometimes I get so excited, I can hardly wait! 

In James 1:17 we see that, "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." I don't know about you, but I only want those gifts that my heavenly Father sends my way!

One thing is for certain, birthdays are fun and we look forward to them.  But nothing compares to receiving our greatest gift in person - a greeting by the Lord Jesus Himself with open arms extended - welcoming us as He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your lord." 

Now that's a celebration I can get excited about!

                                           

      

It's a Birthday Bash, and You're Invited !