What if she doubted too?

I am reading the book Come Thou Long –Expected Jesus edited by Nancy Guthrie. It is a collection of Christmastime readings from classic theologians and contemporary writers. One piece that has really struck my heart was written by Martin Luther. The piece is titled, The Maiden Mary and in it he speaks of Mary’s part in the Christmas story. He writes:

Saint Bernard declares there are (at Christmas) three miracles: that God and man should be joined in this Child; that a mother should remain a virgin; that a mother should have such faith as to believe that this mystery would be accomplished in her. The last is not the least of the three. The virgin birth is a mere trifle for God; that God should become man is a greater miracle; but most amazing of all is that this maiden should credit the announcement that she, rather than some other virgin, had been chosen to be the mother of God.

Isn’t that so insightful? I had never thought about the fact that Mary had a choice in if she believed or not? Scripture says she asked the angel how this could be, but afterwards she went forward believing that all would transpire as she had been told. She believed in a completely outrageous and unbelievably amazing plan. This reading made me question if I believe in the promises God has made for my own life. I have not had blinding visions of angels or burning bushes in my life, but God has declared promises in Scripture for all believers and has laid truths on my heart about my own future. Do I believe them? Do I go forward with my life believing that all will transpire as promised? No. I worry, I doubt, I question … I don’t often enough, just believe.
What promises has God laid on your heart about your life? Are you living your life believing, or like me, often questioning? Let’s take young Mary’s example and believe – because the truth is, God does have a completely outrageous, unbelievably amazing plan for each of us too if we are faithful enough to believe.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas dear friends. Wishing you moments of peace, of laughter, of joy, and of awe on this wonderful day. Thank you for reading The Celebrated Family and being part of my life. You are a great gift to me!

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulders,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

An Amazing Gift

For the last few years my friend Jinny has gifted the women in our book club with a Christmas letter to our group. This letter is truly “gifted” to us, not just given. The letter is the most thoughtful of all the gifts I receive each year, for the gift contains nothing physical (it’s send via e-mail) and nothing material (it is not haphazardly stuck on top of a loaf of bread or a gift card). The letter contains two parts. The first is a look back at our year and what we have accomplished individually and as a group. This year it highlighted things such as three of us going back to work and four of us completing a triathlon (two for the first time), it talked about our girls’ weekend away and some of our struggles as well.
While I love the first part of the letter, the second part is the main show. Jinny assigns us each a name for the year and then talks about why. While she could easily assign us humorous names and roast us for our flaws or shortcomings – believe me she has the dirt on us – she picks beautiful, honoring, strong names. In choosing our names she holds a mirror up to each of us and says “look at what I see in you.” She reminds us of our own strength and beauty.
So in these final days before Christmas, if you are thinking of running to the mall one more time to buy one last gift for a loved one or friend, may I suggest giving someone the gift of letting them see themselves as you see them. Hope a mirror up for your friend or family member and show them the amazing, strong, beautiful person you see in them all year long – it’s an amazing gift.