My posting is going to be a bit sporadic in the next few days, because I have much left to do before Christmas Eve, as well as other obligations to fulfill, though, I will pop in as I am able...
LUKE 2: 1-5...
1/ In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.
2/ This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3/ So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
4/ And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5/ to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
The DIVINE time is almost near, as Joseph and Mary travel to fulfill the decree of Caesar Augustus! The whole of CREATION is awaiting expectantly, joyously, HIS arrival into the world, to consecrate HIS Chosen!!!
Although Mary's life held great honor, her calling would demand great suffering as well. Just as there is pain in childbirth and motherhood, there would be much pain in the privilege of being the mother of the Messiah.
The angel told Mary in Luke 1:28 that she was highly favored by God. This phrase simply meant that Mary had been given much grace or "unmerited favor" from God. Even with God's favor, Mary would still suffer much. Though she would one day be highly honored as the mother of the Savior, she would first know disgrace as an unwed mother. She would nearly lose her fiance. Her beloved son would be rejected and cruelly murdered. Mary's submission to God's plan would cost her dearly, yet she was willing to be God's servant.
God knew that Mary was a woman of rare strength and obedience. She was the only human being to be with Jesus throughout his entire life — from his birth until his death. She gave birth to him as her baby and watched him die as her Savior. Mary also knew the Scriptures. When the angel appeared and told her the baby would be God's Son, Mary replied, "I am the Lord's servant ... may it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38). She knew of the Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah.
Mary was young, poor and female. These qualities made her unsuitable in the eyes of her people to be used mightily of God. However, God looked upon the quality of her trust and obedience. He knew she would willingly serve God in one of the most important callings ever given to a human being. Just like Mary, God looks at our obedience and trust--usually not the qualifications that man might look upon. God will often choose and use the most unlikely of choices.
OBEDIENCE, and TRUST IN HIM, ENDURANCE, and PERSEVERANCE set HIS people apart! Never easy tasks for any human, though, with HIM ANYTHING, and, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE! PRAISE HIM, WORSHIP HIM, HONOUR HIM, REJOICE IN HIS PRESENCE, and, HIS UNDYING, UNWAVERING LOVE FOR US!!!
REV. LWINSOR © 2012
BIBLICAL, and/or, other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
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