Sister Mary's example

There is literally nothing I love more than Christmas. Surprisingly enough, I do not enjoy receiving gifts,(it’s a long story but I’m a minimalist and I get stressed because I don’t want to disappoint people) BUT, the stillness that comes with Christmas eve services and Christmas day makes my heart happy. I love reflecting on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and how it effects my life today. 

For some crazy reason, I have always felt like I can relate to Mary. I definatly look up to her because  of her commitment to God’s word and not just her physical purity, but the purity of her heart

.  Now, Mary has always been my favorite female from the Bible not just because she is the mother of Jesus, but because of her response to God’s call on her life. Her ability to recognize God’s greater plan is admirable. By becoming pregnant before she was lawfully married, she became worthless in her society. Everyone assumed that she had done the unthinkable, but this as we know was not the case. She could have been stoned to death for being a single, pregnant young girl. Her reputation was stripped away from her and she responded by praising God. Rather than lamenting about her temporary situation, she was able to thank God for His grand plan and graceful ways. In Luke 2: 46-55 we see just this. Mary says, ”With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior…He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors God.”

Mary is the mother of our Savior. She recognized that her life was a part of God’s plan of salvation. Sister, YOU are a part of God’s plan for salvation as well. I pray that today we take after Mary’s example and praise God with our whole heart. May we recognize that trials that we face today can be used to propel the world closer to God.

Mary teaches us to commit our lives fully to God and His plan for our lives. Sisters, we are called to give every piece of our lives to God. This Baby we are celebrating is our Salvation. Jesus gave up His life so that we may be washed clean to stand in the presence of God. Our imperfections he willingly accepted, so that His Love was set free. I am convicted of the days I live like I am a slave to the world. My anxieties wisper lies of chains and imperfections, but sweet Jesus reminds me of my worth and His grace. We are called to live like Princess who are freed. We are called to live every moment Singing God’s praise, just as Mary did. My prayer for you sister, is that you see this holiday season how loved you are. I pray that even in the darkest nights that you have the Holy Strength to sing God’s praised. You are loved.