This issue will focus on, and try to learn from Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
While Mary was still very young, the angel Gabriel visited her. He said to her,
"Rejoice, highly favored one, The Lord is with you; blessed are you among
women." (Luke 1:28 NKJV). The story goes on to tell us that Mary conceived
a baby and called him Jesus while she was still a virgin. Verse 45 says,
"Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things
which were told of her from the Lord." Mary believed and it was required of
her to tangibly live out that belief and accept consequences from society as
a result of that belief.
The shepherds were also a witness to the birth of Jesus after the angel gave
them the birth announcement while they were watching their flocks in the fields.
After they had visited Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus at the manger scene, the
Bible says that Mary, "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."
(Luke 2:19). Do we ponder the wonders of the birth, death and resurrection of
Jesus who came into the world to save people from their sins? Jesus' birth
should have the same impact on us as it did on Mary. It had far-reaching
consequences. Mary understood that, do we?
What is our concept of Jesus both at this time of year and throughout the rest
of the year? Do we know him as our Lord and Savior? Now would be a good time
to make a commitment to him for the rest of your life.
- Don Wilde
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