Luke 2:1 - In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, the leader of the mightiest nation on earth---he wanted all the world registered. Such pomp and pride. At the same world, in the fullness of time, in Bethlehem, there was no room in the inn for Mary to deliver her baby. Such lowliness and humility. Luke 2:7 She gave birth to her firstborn. A sinless Savior in a stall. Wonder what sinful Mary pondered in her heart. God made no special arrangements for His Son to descend in grandeur and glory. The supernatural came to the shepherds who were very familiar with sheep and straw and stables and stars. And I wonder this night, 2,000 years later, why I am so drawn to the pomp, the circumstance, the elite, the mightiest, the strongest? What did Mary and Joseph and Elizabeth and Zechariah find that I know not? They learned in their own silent sufferings to quiet their heart. Is my soul silenced this day before our Good God? Has the battles of your life left you totally dependent on God for the Strength to come through? Are there Bethlehem places that I am still trying to find room, when there is none left. Am I trying to live better, fix what's broken, do everything I can to endure to the end....if so, remember, there's no room for you there. There are places in all of our hearts that still need to be redeemed.
And the effect of righteousness will be peace,
and the result of righteousness: quietness and trust forever.
Isa 32:17,18
From the top of the Augustus world to the Savior's lowly stable.
Do we think we should be treated better?
I don't think I ever thought about Mary thinking about anything but the wonder of God. I don't picture her being confused but more just purely delighted. But you're right. There had to be some confusion. Such an humble birth for the King of Glory. Wondering if she doubted at this point, and then God sent the shepherds to reaffirm, that yes, this was indeed the Promised One. The story is not about Mary, but I can't help but put myself in her shoes and imagine those things she may have pondered, treasured in her heart.
ReplyDeleteIt's Christmas Day on the Pearl blog again. Shall we celebrate together? I'll light a candle and turn on the carols.
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
ReplyDeleteLet earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing."
I think I'm like Mary in the way that she was a "ponderer and treasurer" of thoughts. I ponder current circumstances, personal and world events, etc. and wonder how it fits into the larger scheme and if we are witnessing the preparation of the Lord's returning and ask myself,"What am I supposed to do with this growing sense of urgency within me?"
Joy to the world, the Lord has come. The Lord is come. The Lord is coming again. Am I ready?
Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOur Savior is Born!
Mary, sinful from birth, made God's eyes stop ~2 Chron 16:9~
She is the one who said to let it be done to her as God said. And He made her pregnant with no husband when that had never ever ever happened before. The shame of a society looking on. What did Mary's mother think? Mary was sinful like you and me but she was a repentant beauty, wasn't she? She knew something most of us do not know. Draw us in, Oh God, to a life that lives for you and not the approval of those around. Thanks Annette for great thoughts, as always. And Michele, I know something of what you say---there is such an urgency that we advance the Kingdom of God for there is no one else that has this kind of truth! John 6:66 - to Whom else shall we go? No one!
Humming my favorite song...
ReplyDeleteO Come Let Us Adore Him...
Merry Christmas!
Silent Night, Holy Night
ReplyDeleteAll is calm, All is Bright...
Merry Christmas, Thank you LORD for the hope you brought to man when You came down from Heaven that Silent Holy Night as Baby Jesus in the Manger in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. To be born in humble beginnings sends such a servant message to us all.
Yes, this is Christmas Day! Joy to the World, the LORD has come.
God is good and is showing His Goodness no matter where we are or what we are experiencing...think of Mary and Joseph.
Merry Christmas! This is a Song I Must Sing. Sylvia