As Christmas is near and we are thinking about the birth of Jesus, I want to bring our attention for a moment to Mary, his mother and the hardest “yes” she ever had to answer. Let’s step back and remember the huge step of faith Mary took those many years ago.
Most young girls at that time and in that area of the world were betrothed/engaged at around 11 or 12 years of age; and generally, to an 18-year-old who now would be able to have a job and take care of a family. In the Eastern world if you were 13 and not married, you were like what we think of as an old maid.
Mary was engaged to Joseph, still living with her family. But the day the angel Gabriel appeared to her, changed her life and the world forever. Mary woke up on a typical day, perhaps doing her chores or visiting with family and friends, not even imaging what would come that day.
I think of all that Luke 1 says……. all Mary heard from the angel Gabriel:
1 – You have found favor with God.
2 – You will conceive and give birth to a son.
3 – You will call him Jesus.
4 – He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
5 - He will be given the throne of his father, David,
6 – He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever and ever.
7 – His kingdom will never end.
Can you even imagine all the thoughts Mary had after hearing this news? Some of which I am sure were that people might not believe her, perhaps even some in her own family. In that time if you were found to be pregnant outside of wedlock you were often times killed. Historically and culturally, it was an honor/shame world in which they lived. Yet her love and trust for God allowed her to say the hard “yes”.
Sometimes the holiest things we are called to do may be the very hardest. Mary had no idea what this may have cost – for herself, Joseph, her family, her village. Yet she trusted and obeyed and said yes.
“And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.“ Luke 1:38. I love this verse. May we all have a heart that agrees – “may it be done to me according to your word”.
When was the last time you had a hard “yes” to answer to the Lord? Were you able to answer yes? The only way we are able to answer yes is to be so close that we can hear Him and know Him deeply. Don’t allow fear to overshow what God has for you. God gave us spiritual gifts and wants us to use them. He will always enable these gifts to be utilized for both the benefit of others and His glory.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this year, let us not forget to be listening to His voice. Always being available to say “yes” as He calls us to join him.
“Father, thank you for the greatest gift of your son, let us not take it lightly or for granted. Give us the desire to continue our walk and grow closer each day to always be available to say yes when you ask. Our heart’s desire is to be available at any given moment. May your will be done in all things. In Jesus name, Amen.”