GROW in His Word Advent Study Luke 1:36-38

I am sure we are all familiar with the Christmas story based on the Gospels. We have read it, heard it, maybe even seen it re-enacted at Christmas pageants. But have we ever really thought about what those words mean? 

Think of it. Here is this young woman, who is engaged to Joseph, a simple carpenter. There really wasn't anything spectacular about this couple. Yet God chose her to bear a Child who would become the Savior of our world! Can you even fathom what Mary must have felt? Mary tells the Angel Gabriel that she will believe everything that she was just told. She places her trust in God that He will use her as He wants. She will do whatever it is that God asks of her. What a tremendous thing is asked of this woman. Why Mary? Why not some other woman? Elizabeth, who was thought to be "barren", could have been the one chosen. What was so special about Mary? 

And what about Joseph? This woman who was pledged to be his wife. This woman who is now pregnant even though they had not "come together". This woman who was supposed to be a virgin. What was he to think? But he still marries her. He believes in what Mary has told him. He takes this task in stride and does whatever is needed. 

How would any of us react if this were asked of us? Would we just say ok, I will be happy to serve God? Or would we have to delve into a question and answer session with the Angel? Why us? What do we tell other people? What will make this Child so special? 

With all the hustle and bustle we get caught up in this time of year, take a moment to stop and think of Mary. Think about the task she took on. Think about what would've happened if she questioned this or just flat out said no. Try to remember WHY we celebrate Christmas. Remember the humble beginnings that the Christ Child was born into. Remember that He was born so that He would one day die on the cross for our sins. 

I think Linus sums it up nicely.