The necessity for a Redeemer began in the Garden of Eden after the breech…with the recorded first sin of disobedience. It is apt to recognize that Our Almighty God, who is 'in' All and ‘through’ All forever, knew we would need a Redeemer and knew who would bring Him forth. So then, Mary, the mother of His Son, Jesus, was chosen...from the beginning of time. 

The people of God received the prophecy that there would come 'Messiah' who would save them and deliver them from all bondages. They were told that they would know the Messiah, for He would come forth as the results of a 'virgin' giving birth. Through their children, they passed this prophecy down to every generation. Thus, all untouched Hebrew girls were aware of the fact that, indeed, they could be the ‘chosen’ one. But it had been so long coming. God had not communicated with His people for over 400 years before the birth of Jesus and, needless to say, the anticipation had greatly waned.

On that day when God sent Gabriel to Mary she was in her home alone and she was, of course, shocked at his presence! In fact one can safely say that the young girl was, to say the least, quite frightened and very much afraid, as would be expected.

However, what Gabriel said to her was not something that she had never heard before…she knew it was a Promise made by God to His people that had not yet been fulfilled. In awe, she questioned and asked something I am sure she must have thought on many times to herself or even perhaps discussed quietly from time to time, with her friends; how can a virgin have a child?!? But once He answered and explained to her what was to be done, all hesitancy left her...she surrendered herself to the will of God.

There was never the minutest possibility that she would have refused. For that would have meant that God had made an error and sent his angel to the wrong girl. But we know God doesn’t make errors and I am grateful that she said what God knew she would say...‘yes’. Indeed, Mary would birth her son, her God and her Savior!

For this, I have nothing but the deepest admiration for the faith she exhibited. However, I do not worship Mary because she is human, as we all are. She is indeed a faithful and obedient Child of God who did not fail to honor Him with all her heart, mind, body and soul but I am careful to reserve all my lauds for her Creator. Thus, I worship, honor, praise and glorify the One that fashioned her…God alone! For He formed Mary and the womb within her that would carry our Redeemer. He could have chosen anyone, but He chose her. I thank God and I do so appreciate her for being submissive to her ‘calling’. What an inspiration she is for us all!

It is with her in mind that I do reflect upon God being a God...that never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. This can be ascertained in so many instances throughout His Word but, in this Season in which we celebrate His Son's Birth, I would like to focus on Mary and her willingness to do what God wanted her to do. And I would like to emphasize this fact; that though God already knew the outcome, but for the sake of the contents of The Book of Life(in which we all are listed), He extended to her the right to accept or reject His bidding. She had a choice and her answer is recorded in The Book of Life. It really is marvelous when we can see that God, who is no respector of persons, does the same thing for all mankind. He still calls…He still gives each of us a choice and He still waits for our answer. How can we say, no?

Just as Mary was informed and aware of the expected Messiah…we are too. He came once and He’s coming again. God kept the first Promise, He’ll keep the second. On that fateful day when all has passed away and we stand before Him and the opened Book of Life we will have no excuse as we acknowlege our decisions, that is, 'our responses' to His callings in our lives. It is then that we will be able to see that God did not force us to make any of our decisions…we chose our own fates.

There is so much to appreciate in our lives but especially during the Holy Season. The joy of it along with the celebration and beauty of it, fills us. The solemnity and seriousness of it and the surety of His Promises, inspires us. Thus, while we are enjoying the festivities...the eating, laughter and gift giving with family and friends let us not forget to remember what this time of the year is really all about.

From Bethlehem, to Calvary, to the Grave, to the Resurrection...it was all done for us! Let’s contemplate the actions of Mary and use her as an example by doing as she and so many other saints have already done…let’s say ‘yes’ to Jesus. Let's serve Him in everything we do. By doing this, we allow His purpose to be done through us and His Love flows from Heart to Heart …touching and giving hope, as we Celebrate His Birth, just as Mary did!

 Is 7:14, Matt 1:18-25,Matt 2:1-11, Lk 1:26-38, Jhn 14:1-3,Rom 1:6-8

 copyright; jmsbell-12/5/2016