How did you feel when you found out your first child was on the way? It’s a totally new experience, uncharted waters, virgin territory. It is hard to describe how much your life changes the moment you find out you’re expecting your first child. It’s a combo meal of excitement, fear, apprehension, and joy. A new life is entering the world!
With three children of our own and a tenth (!) grandchild on the way, I can report that the excitement never wanes. I can also attest that they grow up so quickly. And I can recommend that you enjoy every moment along the way.
Jesus’ birth announcement comes through an angel who visits Mary. Her pregnancy is impossible. It’s a fulfillment of prophecy. It’s awkward. It’s God’s plan. And it is what everyone has been waiting for.
God’s plans often seem messy, inconvenient, awkward, and embarrassing. But Mary just goes with it. When Gabriel makes the big announcement, she replies, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful answer makes my faith look like chopped liver. How willing am I to abandon my plans and just go with whatever God has in mind? If I am honest, not very.
But God already knew how Mary would respond. He already knew what kind of a woman she was. He created her. He created her for this moment and for this task. He knew she would be willing to be the one who brought a Savior into the world.
God knows all about me, too. And my family. Sometimes we fit into his plan by having children and raising them in the faith. That’s one of the most important jobs of all, isn’t it?
Mary gets an ornament on the Jesse Tree, the mother of our Lord and a great example of being a servant of God.
Waite for it... 