Lessons From Mary

In the midst of a miracle. Mary, the mother of our Lord, has let God the Holy Spirit overshadow her plans. She was going to marry Joseph but now all she knows is that she has been blessed and is carrying a blessing. Her cousin, Elizabeth, six months pregnant is where she flees.

"I see so much the need for one woman to run to another in this very unusual cricumstance ..."

"Blessed are you of women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb," is part of what Elizabeth says. "My soul magnifies the Lord", says Mary, "FOR HE WHO IS MIGHTY HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR ME". 

Mary's plans for her life have been overshadowed by God's plans. She accepted this because she had understood for some time that she was the "handmaiden of the Lord," The Lord was number one to her.

In the midst of a miracle, Mary keeps her focus on the One she serves.
It is easy to get the focus on the "I".
- I want this perfect situation. Jesus was born in a manger with odors of animals around him.

- I want the perfect gift. Jesus is my perfect gift. 
- I want security, certainty and control.  Mary and Joseph had nothing after taxes, but then the wise men came. 

Mary and Joseph had no certainty except the  Holy child they guarded. They had no control. Their circumstances seemed "out of control." But they were not BECAUSE GOD WAS IN THE MIDST OF A MIRACLE not just for them but for the entire world.

Joy to the world, the Lord is born..

May you be ready for the unexpected, the uncertain, the plan that is beyond you!