I think of Mary, betrothed, engaged, a bride to be.....and suddenly, unexpectedly, she gets the news that God is about to change everything in her life.
God had planned something for Mary long before she would learn to take her first steps or say her first words. When God has made a promise to reach out to the world, he had already set Mary aside to be part of His plan.
Here was Mary, planning her life, planning her wedding day, and maybe planning one day to be making baby clothes, when an angel appears and tells her that her life, her entire life, everything she had planned and envisioned for herself, was about to change.
Drastically change.
Because a baby changes everything....
A baby changes everything....
Mary's love and devotion for God had to have been so great and so sure that she was quick to surrender and accept God's will, his unexpected plan for her life.
She put up with the questionable looks, perhaps being seen differently by others, and the thoughts of what would happen when others found out she was carrying a baby. Still, she remained hopeful and faithful to carry out God's plan. She decided to trust in Yahweh and believe what He said.
I imagine young Mary crying out, praying to Adonai. I imagine her coming before the Lord and asking for strength for the journey ahead.
Because, prayer changes everything....
Prayer changes everything....
On one special night, Jesus, Yeshua, the Promised Savior was born. His birth and His Name would echo in the ears of all humanity for ages to come. Mary's life was forever transformed. Jesus was now a part of her life and with his birth, expectation and renewed hope in God's promises were reborn.
The life and death of Jesus is know by most. His message reaches out as the ultimate demonstration of love without limits. His love is the ultimate gift that never stops giving. He only asks that we believe and accept His love into our lives.
Because, Jesus changes everything....
Jesus changes everything....
During the Christmas Season, it's not the date we honor, it's not a lack of not knowing pagan traditions, and it's not even about following after worldly celebrations. It's all about Jesus. A long time ago, God chose one special night to showcase His Precious Gift of Jesus. He used Mary, a simple young woman with a heart ready to say yes to the Lord, ready to open to His will and His promises.
As many get ready to celebrate, will we be like Mary and surrender our hearts to the Lord. Will we prepare a special place deep inside of our lives for Jesus to grow in us, take root in us and be glorified in us. Will we forget about what others may perceive about us as we carry Jesus around in our hearts? Will we choose to please God, rather than please people? Will we be ashamed of Jesus in our lives, or like Mary, will we gladly do what it takes to protect that precious Word planted in our hearts and treasure it always?
Because, God's Word changes everything...
God's Word changes everything....
Christmas is not about the birth of Jesus on the 25th of December. It's not even about gifts. Christmas is about more of Christ in our hearts, in our homes, in our families and in our daily living. Christmas is about honoring that gift of love and life planted in our hearts and making room for the King of Kings to come forth in our homes, and in our lives.
Mary made room for Jesus, preparing the way, seeking a place for him to be born and hid him not from angels and shepherds. It is time for us to be like Mary and make room in our lives to showcase the Risen King. May we be like Mary and invite others to come and see the Blessed One, the Anointed One, and the Promised One.
Because, God's promises change everything...
Yes, He changes everything....
A Baby Changes Everything
by Faith Hill
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