Tag: mary

Hypothetically, our entertaining the practice of bringing the Greatness of God into Others lives This Christmas. Luke 1:26-28

Luke 1:26-28 New King James Version

Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; [a]blessed are you among women!”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to take a message to a virgin named Mary.

The angel Gabriel was obedient to God and brought the message into the life of Mary and for countless subsequent generations later, bringing, both directly, decisively, into the life, living narrative of God’s kingdom in this 21st century.

28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; [a]blessed are you among women!”

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1525/nkjv/tr/0-1/

The angel Gabriel bringing with him the message of the greatness of God, but not just bringing the message but actually speaking it into the humanity of a previously anonymous, soon to be married Israelite peasant girl named Mary.

Not any particularly complicated message, nothing complex nor theologically overwhelming as might be heard in an higher academic university lecture hall setting to new divinity, theology, seminary students or doctoral candidates.

I mean, examine the context of the biblical text. Mary is a teenage girl, probably naïve, going about her regular daily chores, she is not being trained, mentored by any one Temple priest named Rabboni Gamaliel – Saul’s mentor and teacher.

She is not destined to deliver any commencement address at any synagogue of any note or the Temple or at any famous Ivy League university of this century.

Regular Mary to be married by family arrangement to Joseph of the lineage and house of someone named David – of the lineage and house (not royal) of David.

The message the angel Gabriel brings with him into the narrative of mankind;

Greetings,

Rejoice,

Highly favored one …

the Lord is with you; 

[a]blessed are you among women!”

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)

In one precise moment of time, young Mary’s life was forever changed. As the angel of the Lord spoke directly about her future, Mary went from an obscure Jewish teenager to the hand-selected mother of the long-awaited Messiah.

O’ how suddenly everything changed when she understood her destiny.

Mary didn’t know power or popularity, wealth or fame; we don’t even know her last name. Yet she was chosen by God above all the women throughout time to bring the greatness, goodness, of God’s salvation and healing into this world.

It’s the kind of salvation needed by both princes, paupers and kings and queens and presidents, rich and poor, black, white, known and back alley’s obscure too.

And such healing would become the spark of life in the darkness of dead men’s souls, and bridge the great divide between our lost humanity and a loving God.

Yet her journey was not without difficulty as she had to deal with practical facts:

not fully understanding God’s plan, judgmental people speaking lies about her, her own doubts and fears, and trusting God to vindicate and protect her. Mary’s sudden “what do you mean by so confidently saying nothing to be afraid of in your face” story was a hardcore test of faith. Yet she made it through and so can we.

Because like Mary, we are all, in our own God-ordained way, called to bring something extraordinary the greatness and goodness of God, into the world.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

But to do so, we must make that brief interactive moment between God, the angel Gabriel and Mary and consciously learn something from experience.

Commit to Personal Righteousness

“Personal righteousness” refers to a disciplined commitment by believers to live consistently with God’s high calling to carry His light into a lost world.

We must commit to display integrity, purity, honor, respect and holiness.

Our lives should be examples for others to emulate – not perfect lives without fault, failure or messiness, but lives that are consistent with being called and sent on a mission for God Himself.

We must hold grace, not as an excuse to sin, but as a motivating force to live honorably before God.

We should neither become judgmental nor a stumbling block to those who desperately need the message of Christ’s love and forgiveness delivered.

Personal righteousness is a battle that we steadfastly commit to fight in order to be living examples of God’s authentic love that helps lead people to salvation.

And I believe “personal righteousness” was a factor in Mary’s selection to bear the Messiah for mankind:

“…to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:27).

“Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’” (Luke 1:34).

These verses imply that Mary, who was divinely chosen for this extraordinary task, was chosen partly because of her commitment to personal righteousness.

In fact, the Word makes it clear that there is a connection between personal righteousness and God’s decision to entrust great responsibilities to people.

This also implies lackluster personal righteousness limits the effectiveness of the individual in their success.

“…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

Anything less than focused commitment to personal righteousness will become a giant millstone weight that stands in the way of our God-given assignment.

And I’m convinced if we would fight as vehemently for personal righteousness as we do for social righteousness, or pointing out the sins of the world, we each would make a significant impact in the Kingdom in much more profound ways!

John 14:12-14 Amplified Bible

12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name [[a]as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.

Be Willing to Risk Everything

Think of what Mary risked to bring the salvation of God into the world.

Imagine the dinner conversation with her parents.

Or the angry, too hushed argument raging between her parents and Joseph’s parents. Imagine what it felt like to walk to the marketplace, sit in synagogue or look into Joseph’s wounded eyes.

For Mary to fulfill her God-given assignment, she had to release control and risk it all: her reputation, family and friends, her financial security – even her life. In the culture of that day, she could have been stoned to death for adultery while betrothed to Joseph.

Whatever God entrusts you to bring into the world, regardless of your sphere of influence, your high or low estate, be aware there will be a personal cost, a high degree of personal risk. Jesus did not try to hide this aspect of being His disciple.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’” (Matthew 16:24).

One of the greatest challenges for many of us, especially in Western society, is seeing ourselves as God’s servants. We forget that as believers, by our Baptism we have given the totality of our lives over to Christ, and we are no longer our own; rather, we have been bought with a price – the lifeblood of God’s own Son.

John 10:22-30 New American Standard Bible

Jesus Asserts His Deity

22 At that time the [a]Feast of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem; 23 it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple area, in the portico of Solomon. 24  The Jews then surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long [b]will You keep us in suspense? If You are the [c]Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.  26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep. 27 My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28  and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 [d]My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are [e]one.”

The Christ who created us and redeemed us from death now has the absolute right to direct our lives and our actions in it, regardless of perceived risk to our plans, social standing or financial well-being. But every person who seeks to have an impact the world in a significant way for God understands this truth.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 24 New King James Version

The King of Glory and His Kingdom

A Psalm of David.

24 The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the [a]waters.

3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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Advent Reflection: Our Bringing The Gift of The Greatness of Our God Unto Others This Christmas. Luke 1:26-28

Luke 1:26-28 New American Standard Bible

Jesus’ Birth Foretold

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin [a]betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the [b]descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was [c]Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord [d]is with you.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

In an instant, in one moment of time, young Mary’s life was forever changed.

As the angel of the Lord spoke about her future, Mary went from an obscure Jewish teenager to the hand-selected mother of the long-awaited Messiah.

In that exact moment, everything changed when she understood her destiny.

This obscure teenage girl Mary didn’t have nor know any power or popularity, wealth or fame; nothing was great about her we don’t even know her last name.

Yet in this great moment she was chosen by God above all women throughout all time to bring the greatness of God’s salvation and healing into this world.

The bearer of God’s greatness in her womb, it’s the kind of salvation needed by both paupers and presidents, rich and poor, black, white, known and obscure.

And such healing would become the spark of life in the darkness of dead men’s souls, and bridge the one great divide between lost humanity and a loving God.

Yet her journey was not without difficulty as she had to deal with practical facts: not fully understanding God’s plan, or God’s greatness, all of those judgmental people speaking lies about her, about the coming greatness of her own first born son, her own doubts and fears, and trusting God to vindicate and protect her – Mary’s story was that trial of faith – yet she made it through and so can we.

Because like Mary, we are all, in our own God-ordained way, anointed, called to bring something extraordinary into the world – the Greatness of our great God.

Psalm 145:1-7 English Standard Version

Great Is the Lord

[a] A Song of Praise. Of David.

145 I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

But to do so, we must learn from Mary’s experience.

1. Commit Ourselves to Personal Righteousness

“Personal righteousness” refers to a commitment by believers to live their life consistent with our great God’s high calling to carry His light into a lost world.

Matthew 5:13-16 New American Standard Bible

Disciples and the World

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how [a]can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a [b]hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor do people light a lamp and put it under a [c]basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

We must commit to display integrity, purity, honor, respect and holiness.

Our lives should be examples for others to emulate – not perfect lives without fault, failure or messiness, but lives consistent with being on a mission for God.

We must hold on to, we must cling to God’s grace, not as an excuse to sin, but as a motivating force to present our whole selves to God live honorably before God.

Romans 12:1-2 New American Standard Bible

Dedicated Service

12 Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, [a]acceptable to God, which is your [b] spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this [c]world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may [d]prove what the will of God is, that which is good and [e]acceptable and perfect.

We should neither become judgmental nor a stumbling block to those who desperately need to experience His humbling greatness, Christ’s forgiveness.

Personal righteousness is an enormous battle that we commit to fight in order to be messengers, examples, of God’s love that helps lead people to salvation.

And I believe a life of “personal righteousness” was a factor in “Hailing Mary” Mary’s favored anointing by our great God to bear the Messiah for mankind:

Luke 1:26-28 Revised Standard Version

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[a]

These verses imply that Mary, who was divinely chosen for this extraordinary task, was chosen partly because of her commitment to personal righteousness.

In fact, the Word makes it clear that there is a connection between personal righteousness and God’s decision to entrust great responsibilities to people.

This also implies lackluster personal righteousness limits the effectiveness of the individual in their being God’s messenger, their message in their success.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Revised Standard Version

The Example of Jesus

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Anything less than focused commitment to personal righteousness will become our own millstone, weight standing in the way of our God-given assignment.

And I am quite convinced that if we would fight as vehemently for personal righteousness as we do for social righteousness, or pointing out the sins of the world, we would greatly impact the world in much more GOD profound ways!

2. Make Our Not So Great Selves Available Unto God

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 The Message

26-31 Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don’t see many of “the brightest and the best” among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn’t it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, actually chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.”

Translation – neither you nor I have to be ‘great’ to do great things for God! 

Notice here what Mary later says of herself on behalf of future generations:

Luke 1:46-55 The Message

46-55 And Mary said,

I’m bursting with God-news;
    I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
    I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
    the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
    on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
    scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
    pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
    the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
    he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
    beginning with Abraham and right up to now.

Luke 1:46-48 New Living Translation

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.

“Lowly Servant Girl,” “Low estate” means someone who is low in rank, considered vile, or who is humiliated.

It describes a person who is down and out, rejected, despised, overlooked or simply not popular!

Although it can’t be proven, some people believe Mary was perhaps the least in her father’s house, as if she were under some particular contempt and disgrace among her family – like the belittled Cinderella archetype of ancient Israel.

Regardless, whatever her actual social place in her family, it is clear that Mary felt there was nothing “favored” extraordinary about Mary! Yet, God chose her.

Why?

The Word of God for His Children demonstrates that she made herself available to God; “unfavored” to be used by Him to carry out His extraordinary mission.

In her own “unfavored” “humbled and lowly estate,” She was willing to make room, in her “unfavored by man” life, in her virgin womb, for God to use her.

I might guess if we took a hard look at our “unfavored lives” our own “humble estates” busy schedules, our wildly diverse priorities, most of us would mirror Martha, the sister of Mary Magdalene rather than Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Luke 10:38-42 New Living Translation

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39  Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Translation – our “blessed and highly favored” schedule is probably packed too full to focus on the “blessed, highly favored” things of God, matter most in life.

At times, our “favored” lives get so cluttered, so over-burdened that we don’t have time or mental space to be available for God to use in any significant way.

If that somehow unfavorably resonates with you, then it’s time bring them back into favorability, to reorganize, reprioritize some things; we must intentionally make ourselves fully available so that we are able to carry out anything He asks.

3. How Well Do We Understand the Purpose of Favor?

One of the most memorable words of the angel’s announcement was “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you…” (Luke 1:28).

Many times, we will intentionally misunderstand favor in our society.

God’s favor is not all about a blessing, good breaks and open doors, favorable versus unfavorable circumstances in order to increase personal or social status.

Rather the purpose of divine favor is to anoint us, to bring God into our spheres of awareness, which allows us to accomplish what God needs done in our lives.

– Joseph found favor with Potiphar, found favor in prison, and found favor with Pharoah…because his purpose was to serve as Prime Minister over Egypt in a time of great famine.

– Young David found favor in the eyes of the prophet Samuel, and God touched David’s sling shot with favor to defeat the giant Goliath in battle…because his purpose was to serve as King of Israel.

– Daniel found favor in the courts of the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar…because his purpose was to serve as the prophet of the LORD to the nations.

– Esther found favor in the eyes of the King of Persia…because her purpose was to serve as an intercessor to save her people from destruction.

Favor is not as much for our person, as it is for our purpose. 

Even so, when we commit our humbled unfavorable selves to God, that mindset then status of “favored by God” does positively affect our lives in many forms.

4. But Are We, like Mary, Willing to Risk Everything

Think of what young Mary risked to bring the salvation of God into the world.

Imagine all of those dinner conversations with her parents.

Or the angry, hushed argument raging between her parents, Joseph’s parents.

Imagine the “eyes and gossip” of her village community, what it felt like to walk to the marketplace, sit in synagogue or look into Joseph’s wounded eyes.

For Mary to fulfill her God-given assignment, she had to release control and risk it all: her reputation, family and friends, her financial security – her life.

In the culture of that day, she could have been severely humiliated, divorced, and ultimately stoned to death for adultery while being betrothed to Joseph.

Whatever God entrusts you to bring into the world, regardless of your sphere of influence, be aware there could a day, might be a high and mighty personal cost.

Jesus did not try to hide this aspect of being His disciple.

Luke 9:22-24 New Living Translation

22 “The Son of Man[a] must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”

23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

One of the greatest challenges for many of us, especially in Western society, is seeing, acknowledging, publicly confessing ourselves as God’s actual servants.

We will allow ourselves to forget that as believers, we have given our lives over to Christ, we are no longer our own; rather, we have been bought with a price.

The Christ who created us and redeemed us from death now has the sovereign right to direct our lives and our actions in it, regardless of perceived risk to our most favored plans, our most favored social standing or financial well-being.

But every person who lives, who impacts the world in a significant way for God understands this truth.

For example, we will see the Apostle Paul in his epistles constantly reaffirm his submission to Christ.

Romans 1:1-4 Amplified Bible

The Gospel Exalted

1 Paul, a [a]bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative), set apart for [preaching] the [b]gospel of God [the good news of salvation], 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the sacred Scriptures— 3 [the good news] regarding His Son, who, as to the flesh [His human nature], was born a descendant of David [to fulfill the covenant promises], 4 and [as to His divine nature] according to the Spirit of holiness was openly designated to be the Son of God with power [in a triumphant and miraculous way] by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

A “bondservant” was someone who had been purchased as a slave.

At the time appointed for them to be set free, they elected to stay with their master for life and serve them, because of love.

Ultimately, that’s what it takes to bring divine greatness to the world in an impactful way.

By Covenant, it requires we that love Jesus so much that, even though we must reprioritize things in our lives to reflect His character, intentionally make room in our schedules to answer His call at any time, and to be courageous enough to step out in our unfavored status in life, in a faith well beyond our comfort zone.

We devote our lives and everything we do to favorably serve Him as our Savior.

It may seem unfavorably impossible now, but nothing is impossible with God!

He is greater than our human limitations, He can find favor in our unfavorable circumstances to prepare and position us for every good thing He has planned. 

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 16 Complete Jewish Bible

16 (0) Mikhtam. By David:

(1) Protect me, God,
for you are my refuge.
2 I said to Adonai, “You are my Lord;
I have nothing good outside of you.”
3 The holy people in the land are the ones
who are worthy of honor; all my pleasure is in them.

4 Those who run after another god
multiply their sorrows;
To such gods I will not offer
drink offerings of blood
or take their names on my lips.

5 Adonai, my assigned portion, my cup:
you safeguard my share.
6 Pleasant places were measured out for me;
I am content with my heritage.

7 I bless Adonai, my counselor;
at night my inmost being instructs me.
8 I always set Adonai before me;
with him at my right hand, I can never be moved;
9 so my heart is glad, my glory rejoices,
and my body too rests in safety;
10 for you will not abandon me to Sh’ol,
you will not let your faithful one see the Abyss.
11 You make me know the path of life;
in your presence is unbounded joy,
in your right hand eternal delight.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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Advent Reflection Does Mary Saying ‘Treasuring All These Things in Her Heart’ Speak to Anything About How We Reveal Christ Today? Luke 2:19

Luke 2:19-20 English Standard Version

19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

As many times as I have read these verses from Luke’s narrative, I believe I have never seriously pondered, nor really asked the question: What did Mary ponder?

Did she drop to the ground in “shock?”

Did she kneel in prayer?

Did she laugh or giggle or pinch herself, trying to grasp the truth that lying in front of her in a manger was the Son of God himself, the promised Messiah?

Did she wonder how the whole of God could also be a real human baby boy?

Did she wonder about all of God being her first born baby that needed cuddling, feeding, diaper changes, baths, potty training and her motherly attentive care?

Somewhere, our Mary surely realized that she was in the presence of a miracle.

Somewhere, thinking about what the shepherds had said, she probably thought back to the very day nine months earlier when she too was visited by an angel.

On that day she learned that she, a virgin, would become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that the child in her womb would be the very Son of God.

Almighty God, who Created all things, brought order from chaos, who is beyond space and time, chose her young life to empty himself, to take on human flesh.

By some miracle she could not begin to comprehend, out of His greatest love for her you and me, He came as a baby born to this mother that night in Bethlehem.

Somehow, somewhere on this day, sit and ponder for yourself: there in the manger lay our Savior, who would surrender his own life for your sake, mine. 

The one whom Mary held and nursed, who could not even hold up his head and would need his bottom washed, his diaper changed, would too need to be taught when, how to stand up and walk, would need her help to even stand up on his own, what to touch, not to touch, was God in the flesh, come to make us whole.

One day this very real human being needing every single inch, need every single ounce of our life’s energy, our support in the good times and the bad and all the very worst, to just get through the day, and issues growing up, issues of puberty how to make friends would choose to give his very real body over to be crucified.

And Mary would be there to ponder every single precious moment of that too.

Will we, today, take any one single moment to ponder these things with Mary?

Pondering How We Ourselves Will Reveal Jesus Today

Luke 2:19-20 The Message

19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

The seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Time to make all those travel plans.

Time to hang all those lights and decorations both inside and outside the house.

Time for a family outing to go to some tree farm, some nursery, or some mall parking lot and look among all of the trees which have been cut and harvested.

Time to go up to the attic or the lost in the garage or the storage out back and retrieve all of the treasured family and the traditional Christmas decorations.

Time to make a family day and set the tree up and decorate it to its finest and plug it in and light it to its brightest glow – so our neighbors may admire it.

Pick a theme for the Christmas season – Country Christmas or Red, White, Blue.

Cookie cutter Christmas, an International theme – whatever is in your hearts.

Time to pull out all of those recipe books of all your families favorite foods.

Time to buy all those last minute gifts, sing all those carols, watch the movies.

Many Christians will also read the traditional Christmas stories from the Bible in some form, the Prophecies from Isaiah, birth narratives, Matthew and Luke.

The biblical Christmas narrative tells an exciting story filled with prophecy, danger and supernatural guidance, protection, and even angelic declaration.

Young Mary moves and reacts at the center of the story, a young girl of faith who is given a difficult and epic role — to be the mother of the Son of God.

She and her betrothed Joseph are given one miraculous supernatural message after another, whether through angels or people and they must know its God.

At one point, the Bible tells us Mary “treasured all these things in her heart.”

We’ve heard or read this phrase a hundred times, and we can often look over it as too familiar.

But we should we our contemporary selves not take the time Mary and Joseph did to ponder and explore this miraculous story and the glory of God, further?

What does Mary’s “treasuring all these things in her heart” say about how we reveal Christ today?

In the Gospel of Luke, the story begins with the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and announcing that she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who will be the Son of the Most High.

Mary, initially perplexed, accepts this divine calling with humility and faith.

Subsequently, she visits her relative Elizabeth, who is miraculously expecting a child, they share in a moment of joy, praise for the work of God in their lives.

As the narrative progresses, Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem due to a decree from Caesar Augustus, who has ordered a census.

It is in Bethlehem that Mary gives birth to Jesus in a humble setting — a manger — because there is no room in the inn.

Shortly after Jesus’ birth, angels appear to shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the good news of the Savior’s arrival.

The shepherds then visit the holy family and share the angelic message about the significance of the child they have just witnessed.

Amidst these extraordinary events, Luke 2:19 provides a real 1st century glimpse into young Mary’s deep emotional and spiritual response to the unfolding story.

The verse states, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

This reflection captures for us today Mary’s deep contemplation and thoughtful consideration of all these miraculous events surrounding the birth of her son.

This verse highlights Mary’s contemplative nature, emphasizing her role not only as the mother of Jesus but as a woman of deep faith and spiritual insight.

She could have easily been overwhelmed by these epic events, but she, as Luke states, instead, sat, pondered and meditated on the events and their meaning.

Her response is a model of lasting obedience, faithfulness and contemplation in the face of extraordinary occurrences beyond all human pale to comprehend.

The Gospel of Luke the continues to unfold the narrative of Jesus’ early life as a child growing up, and maturing, in ministry, in ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

Mary’s role remains significant throughout, from her initial acceptance of the angelic message to her presence at key moments in Jesus’ earthly journey.

What Did it Mean for Mary to Treasure All These Things in Her Heart?

Mary’s incredibly mature act of treasuring and pondering as a teenage mother reflects a deep and profound spiritual reflection which sets us a high example.

The miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception, the angelic announcements, and the visitations from shepherds all pointed to the extraordinary nature of Jesus.

Her response indicates that at her age she recognized the divine significance of these events and patiently sought to understand the deeper spiritual meanings.

Mary, as the mother of Jesus, played a central role in the unfolding of God’s plan for salvation.

By pondering, treasuring these events, this young teenager Mary acknowledged the sovereignty of God, creative handiwork of God in her life, and in the world.

Her contemplation suggests a recognition these were not mere coincidences but rather direct divine interventions holding profound implications for humanity.

The events surrounding Jesus’ birth were shrouded in mystery, divine purpose.

Mary, in pondering and treasuring these things, plumbed the depths, embraced the incomprehensible mystery of God’s plan for humanities final redemption.

She recognized that her role as the mother of the Messiah was part of a grand and intricate narrative that had been steadily unfolding throughout history.

Her response can also be seen as an expression of gratitude.

Gratitude for the angelic messages, the visitations of shepherds, and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

By pondering and treasuring these moments, this young Mary acknowledged the fullness of blessings bestowed upon her and expressed unyielding gratitude and obedience to God, for being chosen as a vessel for God’s redemptive plan.

Mary’s act of treasuring and pondering implies a greater personal and intimate connection with the divine.

It suggests that she did not merely witness these events passively but actively engaged with them on a spiritual and emotional level.

Her mother’s heart became a repository for the sacred moments that unfolded around the birth of her son.

Treasuring these things in her heart might have also served as that essential source of strength and guidance for Mary in the future when Calvary came.

As Jesus grew and matured and embarked on his earthly ministry, Mary’s reflections on the miraculous events surrounding his birth likely provided a foundation of faith and resilience for the toughest challenges that lay ahead.

She contemplated, she pondered, she treasured them all, which speaks of an inclusive nature to each event as part of a whole, both for her individually, for her family, for the nation of Israel, and for generations ahead and the world.

She did not reject any part of the message she didn’t like but received it all.

Further, she didn’t consider these things intellectually, as if she would one day write a long theological treatise or submit Doctoral dissertations on the events.

Mary acted like these wonderful events should impact the state of her heart, and others, and she valued these revelations where they mattered: in her heart.

How Do Jesus and the New Testament Teach Us the Importance of Our Hearts?

Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament consistently emphasize the importance of truth in the hearts of believers.

Jesus speaks of the types of people who are blessed at the beginning of the famous Sermon on the Mount, what we call the Beatitudes. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Speaking of our whole heart, Jesus responds to the question, “What is the greatest commandment?” with the following answer: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).

Mary didn’t simply acknowledge her heart but used her heart to focus on the truth of the events around her. We must address our hearts with truth.

In John 8:32, Jesus declares, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Here, truth is not merely a collection of facts but a transformative force that liberates individuals from the bondage of sin and ignorance.

The idea of know here is an intimacy, a oneness.

We must let truth deal with our hearts because the heart is the problem.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus links the condition of the heart to the words spoken:

“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts — murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”

Matthew 15:18-20 English Standard Version

18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

This underscores the importance of cultivating a truthful and righteous heart to produce words and actions aligned with God’s will.

Jesus used parables to deal with the importance of receiving the truth in our hearts.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus likens the good soil to those who hear the word of God and understand it.

This understanding is rooted in truth, emphasizing the necessity of truth in the receptive heart for spiritual growth.

Later in the New Testament, Paul writes the following about God’s love in the first letter to the Corinthians. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

This highlights the inseparable connection between love and truth.

Genuine love is grounded in truth, and living truthfully is an expression of authentic love.

Where do we find God’s Truth? In His dynamic, living, powerful revealed Word.

How Can Christians Today Reveal Christ to the World?

Revealing Christ to the world through treasuring God’s Word and truth in our hearts is a powerful way for Christians to embody the teachings of Jesus and share the transformative impact of faith. What are some of these principles?

1. Live out biblical principles. 

Mary didn’t hear and say amen and then leave to do her own thing.

God’s Truth revealed through Christ Jesus is meant to be lived out daily.

Luke 9:23-24 English Standard Version

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

This includes demonstrating sacrificial love, compassion, humility, and justice in our daily interactions.

By aligning words and actions with those in our biblical teachings, we become true living testimonies of the revealed transformative power of God’s Word.

2. Integrity in character. Mary treasured it all.

This is integrity.

We can reveal Christ by exemplifying honesty, kindness, and ethical conduct in all aspects of life.

A character shaped by God’s Word becomes a beacon of light in a world often marked by moral ambiguity.

3. A heart for service. 

Mary submitted to the Word of God through the angel to serve God and others.

The teachings of Jesus emphasize service and selflessness.

We can reveal Christ by actively engaging in acts of kindness, generosity, and service to others.

This outward expression of love mirrors the selfless love modeled by Jesus and draws people to the transformative message of the Gospel.

4. Sharing the gospel. Mary received the Word in her heart but also in her womb, becoming a vessel for God to work through for salvation for others.

Treasuring God’s Word includes a commitment to sharing the Good News with others – Christians can reveal Christ by effectively communicating the message of salvation and the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus.

5. Being born again. Mary was the first embodiment of the incarnation.

God created a new life within her, and Jesus was both human and divine.

As both God and man, Jesus was the first of a new race of people, the born again, the new creation.

We cannot reveal Christ without the incarnation, God in our hearts.

We must rest in this new, divine nature he shares with us.

6. Responding to adversity with faith. 

For Mary, following the Word of God meant she would face adversity and difficulty, but she faced it with faith and trust.

The same is true for us.

We are promised difficulty by Jesus, but we are also promised we can overcome those difficulties with Christ (John 16:33).

He has overcome the world, and so will we if we continue with Him.

By facing adversity with faith, resilience, and trust in God’s promises, we reveal Christ’s sustaining presence even in difficult circumstances.

7. Cultivating a joyful spirit. 

After getting a confirmation of God’s power and word when meeting with Elizabeth, Mary sang a song blessing God for his redemption and salvation.

The joy that comes from treasuring God’s Word is infectious.

We can reveal Christ by cultivating a spirit of joy, gratitude, and contentment.

This joy becomes a dynamic living testimony to the transformative impact of God’s Word upon the ever fickle and finicky sin blasted human heart.

By embodying the teachings of Jesus and sharing the transformative power of God’s Word, believers become powerful agents of change and ambassadors of their Savior Christ in a world that desperately needs all the light of the gospel.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 119:1-16 The Message

119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course,
    walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
    doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
    you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
    now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
    keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
    in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
    I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
    don’t ever walk off and leave me.

* * *

9-16 How can a young person live a clean life?
    By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
    don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
    so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
    train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
    all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
    than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
    I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
    I won’t forget a word of it.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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