Mary

On Christmas Eve, my family went to view the Nativity Story. Sometimes I think I know all about the story of Jesus's birth, but then I am reminded- no Lynnster, you don't. What I liked about this movie is it made me think about Mary. I love that Mary had trust and a simple faith- but yet- how that was huge. She being a virgin- was told by an angel she's pregnant with the holy offspring- the Son of God- whose kingdom will never end. The angel announces that nothing will be impossible with God. I love her response... Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word," be it done, be it done.... to think of Mary- that she was bearing a Son- yet such a high honor; however, she was not married and the movie made me think- how hard that would be... to be pregnant and people looking at you. How was Mary treated during that time? Did people treat her with contempt, with an aloof look, ignore her... she didn't face this one day- but probably for 4-5 months of her showing. Or maybe even more than that if word had gotten out that she was pregnant. The other interesting thing to think about is....there was no one there to help deliver the baby- but Joseph. Way to go Joseph! No other midwives there- but just some sheep perhaps. Again the humility of my Lord astounds me! He chose to be born in a manger with animals- with no home- in a young young virgin...a virgin who chose to believe that nothing will be impossible with God. As Elizabeth, her cousin exclaimed, "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

The Love of Knowing

God's heart....that you would be completely His....."but I have this against you, that you have left your first love (God)." Rev 2:4. Isaiah- no other prophet gives more prophecies regarding the coming Messiah. In Chapter 1- God talks of an ox knowing its owner, and a donkey knowing it's master's manger, but Israel does not know, My people do not understand. People that have abandoned the LORD, despising the Holy One, turning away from Him. He talks about having enough of all the burnt offerings- for all the sins- that He is weary of bearing them. God then urges, "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good, seek justice, reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow.

Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD, "Though your sins are scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. Thanks be to the Lamb of God- Jesus. The verse continues "if you consent and obey you will eat the best of the land." Thanks again be to God- that He does have the best interest in His mind.

Do we know Him? Do we trust Him? Acknowledge that His way is the best- by consenting and obeying His beautiful ways or do we want to rebel fulfilling our own desires as a harlot-v 21- Oh Lord- help me to trust You- may we be Your people.