A lot of us may find pain amidst the joy at Christmas time. While it's 'the most wonderful time of the year' many people come across hardships during this season, whether it be the memory of a lost loved one, financial downfalls, or just plain stress from the pressure of buying gifts and cooking dinner. In a time where there should be the greatest joy, one can find great sorrow, fear, or confusion. When I look at the story told about the coming of Jesus Christ, I see that Mary was one of those people experiencing a hardship in this time. You see, as a young woman engaged to marry the love of her life... a time when so much joy seems to surround her, an angel comes to Mary and tells her, you will be with child. Can you imagine for a minute the depth of confusion this girl must've experienced hearing those words. I mean, her next phrase tells it... "How can this be since I am a virgin?" Yeah, how? That's the exact response anyone would have! I can imagine those next few minutes as hundreds of thoughts and emotions race through Mary's mind and soul. "What are people going to think? How will my parents feel? And Joseph? Oh God... Joseph... I don't want to lose him because of this!" Many of us would do everything in our power to let this not happen by arguing with God, questioning Him, and thinking "why me?" I think that is often our response when God tells us something so completely out of our comfort zone and understanding. We initially become fearful... at least it happens to me. Yet look at what Mary says in response to what she was just told, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Wow. That's.... unexpected. Inspiring. Hard to understand. In a time of great confusion, uncertainty, and fear of being shunned by society, Mary, a young girl in a small town in Bethlehem says, "Okay Lord, I trust You. I am Your servant. May Your will be done in my life, even if it means being pregnant and looking like, to society, that I was unfaithful to Joseph." Mary is my inspiration during this time. She inspires me to be fearless, to have faith, to trust God even when it's difficult. Because look what came from her obedience... the Savior of the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment