The Christmas story always does something deep inside of my spirit. As a woman, I try to imagine what Mary must have experienced.
Matthew 1:18
[ The Birth of Jesus Christ ] This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Can you even imagine?
Matthew 1:20
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
First, think of poor Mary having to TELL JOSEPH! This could have ruined her life and probably her family. I can’t imagine trying to explain to MY parents. They already think I’m NUTS when I talk about the Lord. Their minds can’t wrap around some of the experiences I have had with the Lord — and they don’t know the HALF of it!
Luke 1:26-33
Now in the sixth month [after that], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth,To a girl never having been married and a virgin engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women!
But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled and disturbed and confused at what he said and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean.
And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God.
And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.
He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David,
And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end.
Oh dear. How can a human mind even wrap around this? Have you ever put yourself in the shoes of this couple — but especially Mary. Surely the Lord gave her a supernatural level of peace to accept such a destiny.
Luke 1:34-35
And Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband?Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God.
It is easy for us to read these scriptures as fact, but think about HEARING these words yourself.
The Christmas story captures me deep inside each year. I can’t explain it.
I had a dream years ago where my nativity scene came to life and I spoke with the wise men about that holy night! My question to the wise men went something like this, “Have you seen anything like it since that night?” Of course their answer was NO.
The beginning of Jesus’ life on earth was amazing! Of course a Holy King would be ushered into this world with angels singing in the sky!
As I sit here in the dark and stare at the lights shining on my tree, I wonder what that star looked like that led people to the King. I wonder what the shepherds saw when they witnessed the heavenly hosts saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)
Christmas songs like this and imagining the birth of Jesus makes me want to weep. O night divine! The night when Christ was born! What a holy night.
God alone opens the closes the womb of a woman. Even the womb of a virgin who was destined to carry the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Thank you for allowing me to ponder this holy night with you all.
God bless you precious sis.
I, too, often wonder the same things as you and the miracle of it all brings tears to my eyes and fills my heart with thankfulness.
I enjoy reading the things that you ponder.
This Saturday I will be portraying Mary, in a monologue, at a Christmas tea. I love when the Lord opens a door for me to bring to life the women of the bible.
love and hugs~Tammy
I often think about how must it feel, too for Mary to be able to kiss the face of God [like what that song Mary Did You Know says]…But for her to be submissive to the Lord's plan, I will thank her when I see her in His house. If she didn't do that [though I know the Lord can choose someone else willing], we wouldn't have "Immanuel"…[God won't be with us instead]…Oh Lord! Thank You for Your divine plan! Thank You for sending Your Son to save us and restore our relationship with You. We praise You! For You alone deserve it!
Thank you for sharing your deep thoughts and Spirit inspired post! Blessings to you my sweet friend and have a Merry Christmas because it's always worth celebrating the coming of Christ…every DAY! Love you sister!
It is difficult to imagine how young Mary coped with all this…
her peace and level of trust in the Lord just shows us a glimpse of what her Son must've learned from her. I'm sure His personality, although completely divine, was a lot like hers.
I can only begin to imagine what Mary must've felt. That song "Breath of Heaven" sure speaks to me!!!
Yes, Mary probably had a ton of emotions running through her. She was a blessed young lady.
Love that song…I just heard Josh Grobin sing it this morning on the way to take the kids to school. Goose bump city.
Good thoughts! I think too many of us don't think about the great price that Mary & Joseph paid (to their reputation) or the incredible risk Mary took in saying "yes" to the Lord. But she did receive an awesome blessing in the end too. That is a sermon in itself right there! May we all say "yes" to our destiny no matter what the price, that we may receive our blessing.
In two weeks the ladies at my bible study will be sitting around my tv to watch the Nativity. I think it is perfect for us to rest at the Lord's feet and watch the miracle unfold.
Awesome devotional girl.
I just posted how I am filled with wonder thinking about the birth of our Savior……
…..and yes, I do weep each.and.every.time I hear/sing songs this Season. Especially Mary, Did You Know? I need a box of tissues for that one, lol.
xox
Beth, This is truly an amazing time of year and to ponder what Mary went through – I'm sure also greatly influenced the things she pondered as well later on in life! Have you seen the "Bethlehem Star" dvd? It is another awesome testimony to the events that occurred because of our Savior! Thanks for your gentle reminders
It's Joseph I always thought about. Raising a son of GOD. But you are right, Mary too needs to be remembered!
Beautiful post. This is my fav Christmas song. I can only imagine the feeling of awe Mary felt, and the persecution she received as a result of her blessing. This is an aspect we don't often think of – the mixed emotions she endured. Thanks fot the insight.
You write such beautiful posts.