What if the coming of Christ became what it was on the first Christmas . . . life-changing . . . and purposeful? Could it be that we are to respond to the coming of Christ in the way it was the first Christmas?
Look at Mary, the mother of Christ. She received a Word from God . . . that she would carry His Son . . .
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”Mary's question could be anyone's question: How will this be?
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on 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. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.
(Luke 1:34-38, TNIV)
Mary's response revealed courageous faith; I am the Lord's servant . . . may it be to me . . . according to your word.
The way it was for Mary that first Christmas is a miracle. She said yes. Trusting. Surrendering. Willing. Believing.
Courageous faith begins with surrendering of personal plans. Surrendering is a daily choice of faith. The choice is an active decision to participate in the work of God. Stepping in to the life God calls is the miracle. And, then the adventure begins. God will do more than we can ever think, ask, or imagine.
Mary was changed. And, we are called to be changed.
Intentionally live the way it was the first Christmas.
Surrender.
Prepare for an amazing life the way it was when Christ came . . . Immanuel . . . God with us.
Learning to KickStart the day the way it was the first Christmas,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)