Luke 1:35, 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.
Luke 1:38, I am the Lord's servant,"Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Obviously we all know that this season is not our own but it is for Jesus, our Savior who came to earth in the form of a man to save us from our sins. We have all been taught that in Sunday School and in our homes for years. But sometimes the story can become just a little bit like a routine to us. Putting up the manger scene. Reading the story of Jesus at church. But do we really take the time actually listen to the story and find the meaning of it?
An angel visits Mary one day and tells her that she is going to have a baby, even though she is a virgin. Mary at this time is engaged to a man named Joseph. Back in Mary's day, to be found pregnant, engaged or not, meant to be stoned to death for bringing dishonor to your family. But look at Mary's reply in Luke 1:38 again, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."
Wait...... Did you hear that? Or maybe it's what you don't hear. Listen again. "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Did you hear it this time? It's the sound of no complaining to God. It's the sound of selflessness and humility. It's the sound of Mary totally giving her life to God's plan.
Honestly think about the things you complain about, just for a second. A hard test, a breakup, having to get up to get a remote? We have become an age of complainers! Complainers tell God how unjust he is to them. People who complain tell God that they could do life better. It's insulting, and it is totally selfish. Just the opposite of what Mary's reply was.
Let's continue on. Luke 2:7, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
This is the second part of our story that we will look at.
Jesus, gave up his thrown in heaven, his perfect life, his angles who worshiped him, to come to be born in the most humble of humblest ways: in a barnyard. Again, complete Selflessness, and humility. This story is about selflessness. About thinking of others above yourself. About becoming lowly and serving others. It's about Jesus' selflessness to you and me! It's to show us the best example that we could possibly live by. So think about what you can do! It's only a couple more days until Christmas. Think of some ways that you can help make the people around you have the best Christmas they can possibly can. It doesn't sound fun, but when it's all said and done with, you will realize that you get the most out of this story by copying our Savior and loving others around us by serving them.
Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope and pray that you all try at least one selfless thing this week. And remember to give thanks to Jesus this week all the time for his selfless attitude toward you and me.
~Whatsoever Things are True
Philippians 4:8
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