MARY CHRISTMAS

It’s the Christmas Season – peace, joy, love. But, how do we get there? Whether or not you believe the biblical story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus, Mary has a lot to teach us about how to get there. The following is paraphrased from a message by Jim Nicodem on the traits of Mary’s heart. If you would like to read the story it is found in the first 3 chapters of the book of Luke in the bible.

Mary had a reflective heart. When the angel told her what was about to happen to her, she pondered and treasured these things in her heart. How often do we let the important things get crowded out by the trivial – or just too much busyness?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Mary had a believing heart. Imagine a young girl being told she would bear the child of God. She believed the unbelievable; “For nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary had a submissive heart. She wanted to please God. She chose to honor her family. When it came time to travel to Bethlehem for the census she was nearly ready to deliver. She didn’t have to go, but she wanted to be with her husband and share the childbirth with him. She calls herself a “servant of the Lord.” I have often wished I had more of a servant heart – that I was more thoughtful or generous, and better at putting others’ needs ahead of my own. A good place to grow my Mary heart, I think.

Mary had a sharing heart. When she became pregnant she immediately went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. We are designed to do life together.
“Joy shared is joy doubled.
Sorrow shared is sorrow halved.” (anonymous)
Who do you share your heart with? Both the joy and the sorrow?

Mary had a worshipful heart. In the first chapter of Luke is recorded a song she wrote to honor and worship God. “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior…for the Mighty One has done great things for me…”

This week set aside some time to reflect, pray, and worship. It will bring peace, joy, and love.

Mary Christmas,
Beth