TOP's Tuesday: How Are You Called to Serve

A Journey to the Manger 2014...

Mary, don’t be afraid. You have found favor with God.  Listen, you are going to become pregnant. You will have a son, and you must name Him “Savior,” or Jesus."
Luke 1:30 - 31

This time of year, you hear a lot about Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus. If you attend church or do an Advent devotional, the Scriptural journey begins with the Angel Gabriel notifying Mary of her legacy and mission. This past Sunday, our pastor focused on the women of the Christmas story, so of course Mary was mentioned. As I listened to our pastor first admit, he doesn’t know what it’s like to be a woman, but then he continued, that he knows women are important to God because of the important roles they play in the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ.

Have you thought about Mary’s role, her acceptance of the miracle occurring within her womb? She learns of her mission and gift, from the angel Gabriel. Gabriel assures Mary, “the Lord’s presence is with her”, sensing Mary’s apprehension and concern. The angel continues, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with Child and give birth to a Son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31)

Mary asks Gabriel all the “but”, “if”, and “why” questions about the words spoken to her, about the journey of not only motherhood, but the virgin mother to the prophesized King of Kings. The Bible doesn’t elaborate or say the length of time in which Mary ponders but it makes clear Mary’s response to God’s message.

For the word of God will never fail.”  Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:37-38 NLT

It is with full acceptance, faith, and humility that Mary moves forward in the journey to Bethlehem. Do you remember her cousin Elizabeth? When Mary went to visit, Elizabeth’s (miraculous) baby “leapt for joy in her womb” upon hearing Mary’s voice because of the child in which Mary carried. “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:44b - 45

Mary’s heart was full of love for God. Her will was to serve and obey God. Her calling, to carry the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Joseph had a separate encounter with the angel to know Mary was faithful both to him and God, standing by her side through the process…waiting. Mary risked her reputation to be obedient to God’s calling on her life. What would of happened if Mary refused or accepted this Gift with a poor attitude? How would the Christmas story have changed? Thankfully, this isn’t something we need to ponder because Mary’s response wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction but a response… 

“And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
    I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
    just as you say.”
Luke 1:38 Message

Are you, am I, are we...
- willing to accept God’s call on our lives?
- humble ourselves to God’s plan?
- and say “Let it be with me”?
 
We live in a, let it go mentality, especially this Christmas, BUT…when we change our attitude to “let it be” as we accept, obey, and move forward with the path God places before us…we’ll receive wonderful gifts from God – one’s you can’t wrap in a package.

To find out what some of these gifts might be…visit the blog each day between now and Christmas ~ a priceless gift each day.

Have you accepted "x", then said, 
"Yes, Let it Be" to God? 
What's holding you back?