as Christmas day quickly approaches, i have been pondering the story, the story i have heard countless times before, for as long as i can remember. it is so well known that i could easily brush over all the characters and the elements. but in these days before christmas, i am going to look closely at the main characters in this eternal play, orchestrated by God, played out on the stage of bethlehem so many years ago. beginning with mary...
what was it like to be mary? a young girl with her life ahead of her; all going as planned; she was betrothed to a good man; a man she could love, live with, work beside, raise a family with, she would be safe and secure...all going as planned, that is until The Visit. and nothing would ever be the same. in an instant, with that angel's visit to mary, all of her plans were set aside. in an instant, she was ready to obey and submit to God's plans. she humbly put herself completely in God's hands, despite the incredible, miraculous, and yes, even terrifying things the angel announced to her. this is what she said...
what was it like to be mary? a young girl with her life ahead of her; all going as planned; she was betrothed to a good man; a man she could love, live with, work beside, raise a family with, she would be safe and secure...all going as planned, that is until The Visit. and nothing would ever be the same. in an instant, with that angel's visit to mary, all of her plans were set aside. in an instant, she was ready to obey and submit to God's plans. she humbly put herself completely in God's hands, despite the incredible, miraculous, and yes, even terrifying things the angel announced to her. this is what she said...
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.
"May it be to me as you have said."
"And Mary said:
My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me-
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm,;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Luke 1:38, 46-56
when God calls, i want a faith like mary's. i want to be ready in an instant to say yes to God no matter what he asks of me. but so often, instead of setting aside my own plans, i cling to them, and rationalize how my way is the most practical, reasonable, and comfortable! am i missing his plan, and consequently his blessings, right now because i delay to say "yes"?
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Lord, make me ready in an instant to respond in faith and say "yes" to whatever your plan is for my life.
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everyday gift: mary's example of humble faith
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