Switching gears.
Turning a corner.
Time to put the fall leaves and pilgrims back into the closet and pull out all the Christmas stuff.
Amazing isn’t it? We celebrate Thanksgiving, and before the turkey left-overs are finished, we are moving on the the next celebration. Christmas.
It’s been like this every year of my life. Nothing has changed. The dates haven’t changed nor the number of weeks that separate them, so why does it seem so frantic to me this year…so superfluous? It’s like we’re just going through the motions.
It seemed like this until I sat still and read these words this morning:
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored!’ The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God (Luke 1:26-30).
I’ve always wondered what Mary was doing when Gabriel showed up. I wonder if she jumped when he suddenly appeared. I wonder if she screamed or if she was too shocked for even a peep of fright to escape from her mouth. I love to wonder….it takes my mind off of my tree and onto the baby in the manger.
As you turn the corner from Thanksgiving and turkeys to Christmas trees and presents, take time each day to ponder Scripture about the story of His birth. I will be giving us bits and pieces to chew on each day and some questions to prepare our heart for the celebration of God coming to earth to save us. I know it takes time, but write down these verses if you can and answer the questions. Because…
Even if our homes are beautifully decorated and we find the perfect presents for our loved ones, the celebration is empty with out our Jesus.
Much love to you my favored friends,
andy
ps. Read Luke 1:26-30 again. What blesses you in this scripture? Is it where they are from? Their names? Mary’s reaction? Gabriel’s words?
