As the spirit of Christmas breaks out after thanksgiving, I enjoy re-reading the accounts of Jesus’s birth. As women we often reflect upon Mary and her sacrifice to be our Savior’s mother. Part of me feels that no one could have loved Jesus more than her.  Not only was she his follower, but His mother.

Reading the account of Gabriel appearing before Mary, the words “You who are highly favored,” stick out. Mary was chosen just as you and I are chosen.  She was highly favored just as you are highly favored.   However, being highly favored has a price.  I used to imagine things being easier for Mary because the Messiah was her son.  Just the act of giving birth I figured was a breeze- like her own home grown epidural!

But alas, the scriptures tell us a whole other story. Being highly favored and accepting God’s call brought pain and sacrifice.  The birth of her baby meant the death of other babies.  It meant leaving home to Bethlehem nine months pregnant only to give birth among someone’s dirty, smelly animals just to leave there and move to a foreign land. He was likely the outcast of the other children, maybe even among her own. Then to watch him grow and witness his brutal death.

Being The mother of Jesus didn’t make life easier for Mary- it made it harder.  When God chose us as women in ministry we said, Yes.  Following Christ’s call does not mean pain free labor and it certainly doesn’t mean pain free ministry.  But because Mary said yes, the world was changed. Once He was resurrected, the sins of Adam that were passed on to us could now be redeemed.  The bridge was now gapped between us and God. We could follow Him knowing we can live and enjoy Him forever. Miracles happen when we say yes.

God was always moving though Mary’s pain. Though you don’t see it, God is moving through your pain now.  God is changing the world- all because you said yes.

PRAY WITH ME SISTERS

“Lord, I thank you that you chose us and you call us highly favored.  Though being favored and saying yes comes with a price, I thank you that your glory will shine through that price.  I thank you that through pain, you bring gain.  I may not see your hand moving, but I know it is.  Please encourage me where I don’t see it.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

How does Mary’s life change yours? I’d love to hear!  Please respond below.