Mary’s Radical ‘Yes’
When we talk about Mary, the mother of Jesus, we often focus on her purity or her central role in the Nativity. But what truly inspires me about her is her courage. She was just a young girl when the angel Gabriel appeared and presented a life-altering, reputation-shattering, impossible plan to her.
Imagine being told something that seems utterly insane, yet you know, deep in your soul, that it’s the truth of God. That’s where Mary was. Her response is one of the most powerful displays of trust in the entire Bible.
After hearing that she would conceive a child by the Holy Ghost—a virgin birth!—she didn’t argue, she didn’t run, and she didn’t even ask for a sign like Zechariah did. She simply said, in Luke 1:38 (KJV): "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her."
God’s Persistent Plan
When we look at the Christmas story, it’s easy to focus on the sudden, beautiful moments: the angel appearing, the star shining, the baby arriving. But what I find truly encouraging is not the suddenness, but the timing. It wasn't rushed. It was perfect.
Have you ever had a project or goal that you felt you missed the window on? You hesitated, things changed, and suddenly you feel like it’s too late? I know that feeling of discouragement when it seems the opportunity has passed you by. But let me tell you, when it comes to God’s plan for our lives, and certainly for the whole world, there is no such thing as being too late. There is only perfect timing.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 4:4 (KJV): "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law."
Focusing on the Gift
As we embrace the festive Christmas season, our thoughts naturally turn to the timeless story of Jesus' birth, the tradition of giving and receiving gifts, and the overall spirit of generosity. Yet amidst all the merriment, it is important to pause and ponder a deeper lesson that extends beyond the holiday itself—one that teaches us about the true meaning of gifts and their significance throughout the year.
Before I go any further, I want to share a cherished memory from my childhood. On one particular Christmas, my sister and I yearned for a special gift—a lifelike doll named Lorrie, accompanied by a complete nursery of miniature furniture. This precious doll was in every catalog and every commercial.