Growing HIS Kids

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

(Isaiah 7:14)

As we sang one of the Advent hymns in church this past Sunday,  I was reminded of what an inspirational example Mary--the mother of our Lord--is to all believers.  She was a woman of understanding, courage, humility, grace, and most importantly: a woman of great faith.  As Christian mothers, we can learn a lot from the woman who was chosen by God to bear His Son.

In Luke chapter 1, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would give birth to God's Son.  At first, Mary’s thoughts went to the natural process of life: how could this be?  But as the angel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, she accepted it without any further questioning.  Mary was meek and teachable before her Lord.  She received her heavenly assignment with grace and faith.  As the story continues, the angel assured Mary that nothing is impossible with God.  Mary believed the Word of God spoken through His messenger, Gabriel. We can all be thankful that Mary was humble and obedient to the Lord. We can be grateful that she was willing to be used by God to bring Jesus into the world, so that He could fulfill God's Will-- to save all of us from sin, death, and hell.  

Mary demonstrates what faith is: letting the Lord have His way in your life--and through the power of His Spirit--doing what He calls you to do.  Then, trusting in Him to work it all out.  Mary accepted the task that God assigned her in spite of its difficulty, and she lived her life as a humble example of great faith.  So, whatever God has called you to do in your life--serve and praise Him confidently knowing that "He does good to those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Heavenly and Gracious Father, Thank you for calling Mary to be the mother of our Savior.  May we, like Mary, live a life of faith in honor to You. May we trust in You to provide us with the strength, wisdom, and patience we need to be the mothers You have called us to be to our children.  In Christ's name~Amen.