Tonight my dad read the Christmas story while my kids and my sister's kids acted it out.
Because I'm a woman and a mother I think a lot of Mary this time of year.
What was it like for her?
I would love to hear from her, just what she went through and experienced.
I was thinking of her being told she would be the mother of the Son of God.
How many nights after that first visit from the angel did she lie awake and marvel?
I love that scripture that says "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart"
She had learned of a Savior that would be born someday from the Old Testament prophets and from practicing the law of Moses and now she is told she is to be the Mother of the Savior.
And yet even she and her husband Joseph were not excused from the trial and work of this life.
They were not above the laws of the land.
They still had to pay taxes and be counted for the census.
The last thing I would want to do when 9 months pregnant would be to travel by donkey through a hot desert away from my mother or midwife.
How did she do it?
This Holy Family traveling, unrecognized for who they were.
A Holy mother and Father and Savior all intertwined with the ordinary work and dust and chaos of
every day life.
Miracles happening while so many are unaware.
That's how it still works doesn't it.
The miracles of our life that happen a midst the everyday work and mess.
The quiet personalized ways he communicates with each of us and loves us.
The quiet unseen changes in our hearts as he loves us and teaches us through our little daily experiences.
I can't seem to stop crying today as I think of all the ways he has loved me and helped me.
One at a time.
He whispers.
Straight to your heart.
In ways that are customized for you because he knows you and loves you.
You are so dear to him.
For all the times he's whispered to my heart or sent me his love through light years of time and space that separate me from Him.
I love Him.
I believe in Him.
Even though I've never seen Him
I've felt His love.
His love is the most real, most precious thing in my life.
He is the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:12
I know he is the author of my faith.
I love you Kristen!! Thank you for your sweet words on this wonderful day!! Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteMy first Christmas as a mother was a very tender one. As I pondered Mary and her raising a son of God, I realized that I too was raising a son of God. Each Christmas is a reminder to me that my children are also His children. I love that you noticed that Mary and Joseph still had to endure the trials of life, even though they were raising a divine child. Thanks for the perspective that I too am not exempt from trials!
ReplyDeleteLove you too Andrea, Thanks for the birthday and Christmas wishes :)
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your insights Rebecca