KEEP WATCH
Nothing Will Be Impossible
Let it be done to me according to Your word!
Jim Allen
In the following months, Mary thought deeply about the message, its meaning, and the wonder of it all (Luke 2:8-14). The significance of her story and her pondering of these secret things are somewhat analogous to the Christian experience. Many who are born again are eager to share their newfound faith in Christ with family and friends. But it soon becomes painfully clear that few people really want to hear about our new found faith in Christ. Family and friends, often with raised eyebrows and whispers of concern, discretely exit the doorway of our life.
As a result, we sometimes find ourselves isolated and given the label, "Got religion!" The label is hurtful and defaming because to be shunned by family and friends is the price for discipleship (Mark 13:13).
Over time, and like Mary, we learn that sharing the wonders and secrets about the new life growing inside is difficult. We barely understand it ourselves. How could anyone, except perhaps another believer, appreciate the miraculous internal transformation taking place? Perhaps this is why Mary kept all these things about the holy life growing inside her a secret. Who could possibly understand? And, with whom would she share? Not even Joseph was onboard with the miracle unfolding before his eyes.
From Genesis to Revelation, it is clear God is searching the world over for those in whom to plant the holy seed of eternal life (John 6:32-33, 51). God is calling individuals from the darkness of the world to the glorious light of the Gospel, to believe and place their faith in the Savior (John 10:28). Those who respond to the call will learn about many spiritual blessings from God (Romans 8:9-11; Colossians 1:27). In doing so, and like Mary, they too will ponder the "wonder of it all and the secret things spoken" about in the Bible. And like Mary, they too will barely grasp the meaning of it all and humbly concede, "For with God nothing is impossible..." (Luke 18:27).
While Jesus will one day receive the physical throne of David and rule forever, so too will Jesus rule forever in those who have given their hearts to him (Matthew 16:24-25). The Bible is clear about giving up our life (the one we cannot keep and no longer want) in exchange for His life (the one we cannot earn and live without). The reality of this divine changeover is known as sanctification, a process of inward growth from little faith to great faith. Jesus is growing within the soul of every believer and is coming forth, a little at first but then more and more until one day the fullness of Christ is birthed to the world (Ephesians 4:13).
As believers, we share many of Mary's blessings. Mary found favor with God — and so have we. Mary was highly blessed among women — and so are we among humankind. In Mary God began a good work — and so in us. God brought Jesus into the world through Mary — a willing servant who said, "...Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).
While Mary didn't understand the meaning of it all, neither do we. But, the wonder of the Christmas story is its seasonal reminder that God is still bringing Jesus into the world but now through you and me every day of the year (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).
Image credit: Detail from the stained glass window in LA's Catholic Cathedral; Used with permission | Published 12-11-12
Tags: Celebrating-Holidays | Christian-Life | Jesus-Christ
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Originally published 12-11-12; updated 12-20-13
