Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 355
November 28, 2017///
Last week we entered the official holiday shopping and celebration season. December is a time for celebrating family, friends and most of all the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
However, December is also a time of great disappointments and missing those who have left this world or who are in a different location in this world. They may be in the military or missionaries or just living far away.
The amount of lonely and depressed people seems to multiply greatly during this holiday season. Changes in our lives cause traditions to be replaced with new traditions and things are just different.
Stress is rampant, and irritation is readily available, and we just want to get it all done. What should be joyous celebrations turn into stressful situations.
Why?? I believe it is because we are approaching the season without taking the time to consider what we are celebrating. We forget we give gifts because God gave the greatest gift when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
In Luke’s recording of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he gives us an incredible statement that we can use as our guide as we enter the frantic month of December.
A young maiden, named Mary had a visit from an angel who told her she was chosen to bear the Savior of the world. All of Israel knew that the Messiah would come and be born of a virgin. This angel even told her what to name the child.
Luke 1:30-33 (KJV)
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Mary’s reaction was one of surprise and astonishment, asking how this would be!
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
The angel then explained that this child would be conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:35 (KJV)
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
In verse 38 Mary makes a statement that we should take special note of:
Luke 1: 38 (KJV)
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
Notice that Mary did not try to figure out everything, she just simply trusted.
I believe if we will take Mary’s words as our guide for this season it can be one of Peace and Calmness. If we can trust the Lord with our plans and decisions for this December and commit everything into His hands, we can enjoy celebrating the Birth of the Savior of the World.
Can you say with me today: Lord, be it unto me according to you word in every situation in my life! Guide me in being a Blessing and encouragement to others as I fulfill my busy schedule.
When we understand that the reason Jesus came was for people, that each individual person mattered to Him, we can live our lives celebrating people and reaching out to them.
What is your focus as we enter this celebration month?
I challenge you to release every decision and every situation to the Lord Ship of Jesus Christ and say with Mary:
Lord, be it unto me as you say!
Rest in the knowledge that in an imperfect world and through imperfections in our plans, Jesus is real, and Jesus is the reason for the season.
Show Love and the Peace of God to those around you by committing all to Him!
Lord, be it unto me as you say!
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Father, how amazing your Love for your creation is. You sent the very best. I release to you this Holiday Season and embrace the knowledge that you will guide me to walk in you Peace. Let my Joy and Peace spread to those around me as I understand your Love and your desire for us to Love one Another. Touch each person who reads this and fill them with the Joy that a Savior was born. All other parts of this Celebration Month fade as we receive that truth. JESUS, MY SAVIOR, I CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTH. Amen.
I love you dearly, keep Joy in this season.
Me-Maw
