Celebrate Christmas~Mary

Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Bumping along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary’s faith trumped her discomfort.

Womanhood arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and grew in her few years. The angel who delivered the news that she'd give birth to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.

Mary, being the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.

Trust plays a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary.  The angel trusted God as he delivered his messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.

As Mary bumped along, I can't imagine the discomfort. But she moved forward as God called her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless, Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.  

As you think about the troubles of life, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.

Stop for a few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy Jesus brought to us. Then breathe out and share his hope.

Celebrate~Jesus

Luke 2:6-7

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

As an American consumer, I used to make Christmas way too complicated. The shopping, the decorating, the baking exhausted me. For the past several years, I've stepped back and made an attempt to simplify. Less presents, decorating with the items I hold dear, and more focused time in the kitchen. I confess—I love Christmas. But what I love the most about this beautiful holiday has less to do with the gifts, baubles, and cookies and more to do with the people.

First being—Jesus—the babe in the manger who grew to be a King. Even as King, he lived a simple existence as he walked this earth. His life reflects the love and grace he gives. I praise God for sending his son to us.

Second being—my husband—we go through this life together encouraging and loving one another. For this I am so thankful.

Third being—our family—our children and their families, my mom, our siblings, and the many who connect, love, check in on, and surround Tim and I with their love. I appreciate them so much.

Fourth being—friends—dear friends I've reconnected with from college and the many friends made through the years. Our neighbors who wave a friendly hello when we walk the neighborhood. My writing friends I've met on social media from all over the world. The church filled with folks who walk with us on our spiritual journey. Thank you.

Fifth being—the folks we are yet to connect with—those God will place in our path.

All these people bless our lives. I thank God for each one.

As I reflect on this strange, stressful year, I thank God for Jesus and for you.

May the New Year bring joy, peace, and hope as we celebrate the babe in the manger and look forward to a new calendar filled with wonder and adventure.

Here's to a Happy New Year!

Celebrate~Mary

Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Bumping along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary's faith trumped her discomfort.

Womanhood arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and grew in her few years. The angel, who delivered the news that she'd give birth to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.

Mary, being the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.

Trust plays a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary.  God trusted the angels to deliver his messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.

As Mary bumped along, she must have wondered what came next. But she moved forward as God called her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless, Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.  

As you think about the troubles of 2020, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.

Stop for a few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy. Then breathe out and share his hope.

 Who Would Imagine a King sung by my daughter Sara Hatch-