Undoubtedly, there are more than enough reasons to celebrate this Christmas. It's sometimes the little things that make me jump out of my skin with festive enthusiasm - taking a trip to Krispy Kreme on Peace St. followed by a tour of Christmas lights, staying up way too late watching Christmas movies (which I am doing right this moment), listening to Christmas music 24/7 if I feel like it, gift giving, wrapping pretty presents, participating in the last minute shopping frenzy, spending quality time with my family and friends, Christmas parties ... However, what I am most crazy over this year is anything but modest in terms of worth. In fact, tears well up in my eyes as I imagine spending my Christmas without it ...
I am honored this year to celebrate the birth of our King. To me, the first chapter of Luke paints the most beautiful picture of God's glory. I was recently led to this passage, and interestingly yet not at all accidentally, God has spoken very personally to me through this most special chapter in His Holy Word. I stand amazed at the truths I believe He intends all of us to grasp as we ever so intimately invite this wonderful story into our hearts and minds ... this Christmas.
In Luke chapter 1, Gabriel's visit to Mary creates in her an instant need to deeply believe in God's supreme plan. We know from her reaction that she is nothing short of perplexed and awestruck by the news he brings (v.34). Gabriel's words remind Mary, that yes, in human standards news such as this would be impossible, but with God "nothing is impossible" (v.37). Mary demonstrates the humility required in surrendering to God's service, as she says: "I am the Lord's servant ... May it be to me as You have said" (v.38). We fool ourselves if we believe that those words effortlessly slipped out of sweet Mary's mouth. An angel has just appeared to young Mary, told her that though a virgin, she was about to birth a child. Not only that, but that this child from her womb would be called the Son of the Most High. Wow. A lot of pressure, is an understatement.
Mary's acceptance of God's supreme plan came out of her belief in God's ability to work out the impossible. Mary did not surrender to His plan because she understood the impossible, but because she served the God of the impossible. Out of her belief and obedience, came the greatest gift this world has ever known. Breathtaking. Is there something in your life today, something in your life this Christmas, for which you are being challenged to believe God? Has God recently sent a messenger your way to remind you that "nothing is impossible with God" (v.37)? Are you walking in belief this Christmas, surrendering yourself to the God of the impossible?
Luke 1:35 reads: "The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.' " To overshadow means to cast a shadow over, or to exceed in importance. At the point of the Holy Spirit's indwelling, Mary is transformed, overwhelmed, overshadowed. The power of God becomes exceedingly more important than anything of prior significance in her life.
I absolutely love the next few verses: Luke 1:29-45. Sweet Mary rushes to the home of her relative Elizabeth, whom Gabriel has told Mary will also bear a child (v.36). Luke 1:41 says, "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." Notice the 2 references to the Holy Spirit within the passage: The reference to Mary's indwelling of the Holy Spirit (v.35), and now Elizabeth's filling with the Holy Spirit (v.41). When we are passionate and intentional in our own intimate relationship with the Lord, the Holy Spirit's fire cannot help but blaze into the lives of others. Like the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth ... Our personal relationship with Christ is meant to vastly affect and encourage those who have been placed in our lives. Is your relationship with Christ at such high priority that the Holy Spirit ignited within your heart is drawing others closer in their walk with Christ?
Elizabeth's speaks words of truth and exaltation over Mary: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (v.45). I am totally in love with Mary's response: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call my blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is His name" (vs.46-49). We will be blessed when we come to the point of believing God to fulfill that which He has said will be accomplished. When He accomplishes that which we have entrusted to Him, we must like Mary, give Him the praise He deserves! Mary fully proclaimed the greatness of her God. She did not hesitate to declare the wonderful things God had done on her behalf! Are you prepared to give the Mighty One glory for the great things He has and will do in your life? Are you giving credit where it is due, or are you shying back from celebrations of praise?
This Christmas, may we make an intentional effort to praise the God of the impossible for using a simple girl to accomplish His Supreme Plan - He certainly IS worthy of our praise this Christmas. As we celebrate the birth of our King, may we reflect on the incredible privilege we have in knowing Him - He who when we were in great need, saved us (Psalm 116:6b). May you be incredibly blessed this year as you celebrate the birth ... of your King.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
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