Mary's Christmas

Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (NIV)

In our present time, a woman pregnant, out of wedlock, is not uncommon; in fact, it has become quite acceptable. But in Mary’s day, to be found pregnant, out of wedlock, was an offense punishable by death: stoned to death. A horrible, vicious, and agonizing death.
Mary’s immediate response of obedience to the angel to be used by God should never be taken without due consideration. There are many things to be considered here. There is Joseph, her soon to be husband; her parents. What would their reaction be? Relatives, friends, and neighbors. The whispers would be heard throughout the country. Her reputation would be marred. Who would believe her story of the angel sent by God?
But Mary believed. Mary had faith; great faith.
It is at this season when I am in awe of Mary’s faith. I think of my own faith and continue to pray that someday, my faith will be as strong as Mary’s. That my response to God will be so immediate, so compliant; without hesitation, doubt, selfishness, or greed.
Thank you God, for all you have done for us. Help us to follow you down the path you have predestined for each of us. Amen.

The Right Road

It seems these past weeks have included much ‘testing’ in the lives of my husband and myself. We have experienced many frustrations, disappointments, and anxious situations. Through each one, we have had choices to make; and they have not been easy.

But, the easy road seldom marks the best road, does it?

The easy road gives in to temptation. It is quick and smooth and never gives another thought to what is around the corner. It is happening now.

The right road, the one with all the obstructions and pot holes, instructs me to travel slowly; watch where I am going, and consider the consequences of my actions. It may take awhile before the journey down this road is completed.

But once the journey has been completed, the right road travelled leaves me feeling relieved, focused, and rational.
The easy road more often leaves me sensing failure, anxiety, and shame. Failure for the poor way a situation was handled, anxiety for the unfortunate words chosen in the heat of it all, and shame knowing what is done can never be undone.

I have choices to make, each day, and in each situation.

The choices I make will be based on my relationship with the Lord. This I am promised.
The one who travels the right road has done his homework, and has prepared for all the speed bumps and pot holes; all the obstacles that can get in the way of a successful journey.
The one who travels the right road is committed to a daily and ongoing relationship with his Lord and Savior; for it is He who enables me to be on the right road. Without Him, I am hopeless to make the right choice and for the right reason.

Without Him, I can do nothing.
Without love, I am nothing.

John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (NIV)

1Corinthians 13: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” (NIV)