Do you have a favorite part of the Christmas story? I love the story of women in Jesus’ life. God blesses women too. He loves them and He has plans to use our lives in the tapestry of His love. He just needs our permission to guide our lives.
Luke 1:38-55 NLT – Mary Visits Elizabeth
³⁹ A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town ⁴⁰ where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
⁴² Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. ⁴³ Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? ⁴⁴ When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. ⁴⁵ You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
⁴⁶ Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
⁴⁷ How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
⁴⁸ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
⁴⁹ For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
⁵⁰ He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
⁵¹ His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
⁵² He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
⁵⁵ For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”
Amazing to read that God blessed an older woman, Elizabeth with a son later in life, John the Baptist, and Mary, a young teen with the Christ child. God has plans for all women. He loves them. He honors them.
We each have an amazing Creator God that loves us. When we allow ourselves to be used as His instruments even vessels for life, He is there.
Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth and God’s gift in His Son. His life changed the world forever. He is Immanuel (God is with us!). Jesus came as a baby, walked on earth, He understands human weakness yet did not sin, He took on humanness to gain understanding and compassion for our plight.
He allowed Mary a front seat of honor. She pondered things in her heart. She was blessed as a humble personal witness. She was chosen as we are to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
So many sweet stories of Mary and Jesus’ relationship from the first wedding experience miracle of Jesus turning water to wine at Mary’s request. From watching Jesus as a child, at the temple teaching elders from His wisdom to observing Jesus and His disciples build the Kingdom of God and watching their battles with others.
She must have been overwhelmed by worry for her Son Jesus especially as times became harsh and evil, especially at the arrest and crucifixion, yet the Prince of Peace was living at her side. How amazing!
Jesus is present with us when we call on Him to be our Savior! Christmas reminds us to slow down and ponder Jesus. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is joy, love, new beginnings, and hope in a chaotic world. He is the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords.
Even at His death on the cross, Jesus comforted Mary and directed John, his faithful disciple watch over Mary (at His death on the cross). What a provider and love from Christ from the beginning of life on earth to His resurrection. He is Immanuel! What an amazing gift of love! Open the free gift of love, and open your heart and mind to the Savior.
Be amazed that Jesus came for you and He wants to be your Savior! Our trust in our God will give us the ability to overcome any hurdle. Reread Mary’s song of praise above. You don’t have to be a mother, just be a vessel and let Him mold you into what He already knows and believes you can be! Merry Christmas!
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 