In the past couple weeks I have been feeding, swaddling and cuddling an infant. And I have thought about Mary. The account in Luke tells about the angel’s appearance and promise “You shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 2:31b-33
When Mary visited Elizabeth, she received encouragement and confirmation. She responded with a beautiful song of praise.
But then Mary and Joseph had to make the trip to Bethlehem. And the birth of Jesus took place in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. Did she wonder about the circumstances of his birth, the Son of the Most High? If it was me, at this point doubt of the angel’s words might have crept in.
The visit by the shepherds may have encouraged her once more as they told Mary and Joseph about the angels that had announced Jesus birth to them.
Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19
God’s way are often different from what we expect.
Mary is an example for us. She took note of the signs that God gave. When she was called on to trust Him she sang an offering of praise. She treasured the events that demonstrated God at work. She pondered. She thought and considered quietly, soberly and deeply.
I am linking up with Five Minute Friday, a community of inspirational writers. Every Friday Kate Motaung gives a word prompt. And then we write for five minutes. Today’s prompt is DIFFERENT. Click here to visit FMF.
The Nativity Scene is from a Raphael Tuck & Sons postcard courtesy of FreeVintageArt.com
So inspirational and wonderful encouragement to contemplate what God’s message is to us, at Christmas and at all times.
Thank you for your message!!
This line I like: When she was called on to trust Him she sang an offering of praise.
Made me think… is that my response to trust in God? I try, but don’t always manage it.
Luke 1 & 2 are so filled with details we can learn from. Love how God is reaching out to us even when our response isn’t all it should be. Thanks for visiting Annette!