As CHRISTmas day approaches, I'm finding my thoughts directed more and more to the birth of Jesus, His life, His mission on this earth, and yes, ultimately His death and tremendous sacrifice for us.
My thoughts are being drawn to the birth of my own son. I am remembering the first time I held him in my arms, how he looked and smelled, how precious he was (and still is) to me.
I have to admit that the very first time I was able to nestle him closely to me that I fell instantly in love.
Suppose, just suppose, someone had come to me and said, "Okay, you've carried this child, you've given birth to this child, oh, you love him so dearly. Now, he has a greater mission on this earth. You need to raise him and give him away to the world. And, it won't be easy--this life of his. He will suffer persecution, torture and a painful death all for the sake of others."
And, I am thinking about Mary--how she felt at the birth of Jesus. Yes, she was chosen by God. She must have felt blessed by this alone. I am sure she was joyful holding Him for the very first time, holding Him close to her--the Son of God. But, did her heart ache also at the thoughts of what this child would suffer? Did she know? Did she realize?
We are celebrating Jesus' birth this coming week--a wonderful gift from God. He was sent to us so that we could see God in the flesh and learn how to live and conduct our lives.
The greater gift is Jesus' death and resurrection--the sacrifice of His life for us so that we can have forgiveness of our sins and spend an eternity with Him in Heaven--God's great sacrifice of His ONLY Son for me, for you, for all of us.
Has anyone ever given you such a gift? The gift of their own death for you? The gift of an eternal life spent with them in a perfect place such as Heaven? The gift of grace, mercy, peace, joy and hope in your life?
Do you know this gift? Have you received and accepted this gift from God?
If you haven't, I have to ask you--What is holding you back?
Be sure and visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders for more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" participants. Maybe you'd like to join in!!
Beth
My thoughts are being drawn to the birth of my own son. I am remembering the first time I held him in my arms, how he looked and smelled, how precious he was (and still is) to me.
I have to admit that the very first time I was able to nestle him closely to me that I fell instantly in love.
Suppose, just suppose, someone had come to me and said, "Okay, you've carried this child, you've given birth to this child, oh, you love him so dearly. Now, he has a greater mission on this earth. You need to raise him and give him away to the world. And, it won't be easy--this life of his. He will suffer persecution, torture and a painful death all for the sake of others."
And, I am thinking about Mary--how she felt at the birth of Jesus. Yes, she was chosen by God. She must have felt blessed by this alone. I am sure she was joyful holding Him for the very first time, holding Him close to her--the Son of God. But, did her heart ache also at the thoughts of what this child would suffer? Did she know? Did she realize?
We are celebrating Jesus' birth this coming week--a wonderful gift from God. He was sent to us so that we could see God in the flesh and learn how to live and conduct our lives.
The greater gift is Jesus' death and resurrection--the sacrifice of His life for us so that we can have forgiveness of our sins and spend an eternity with Him in Heaven--God's great sacrifice of His ONLY Son for me, for you, for all of us.
Has anyone ever given you such a gift? The gift of their own death for you? The gift of an eternal life spent with them in a perfect place such as Heaven? The gift of grace, mercy, peace, joy and hope in your life?
Do you know this gift? Have you received and accepted this gift from God?
If you haven't, I have to ask you--What is holding you back?
Be sure and visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders for more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" participants. Maybe you'd like to join in!!
Beth
4 comments:
Blessings Beth...What beautiful words as an introduction and truly knowing the miracle of being the mother of a Child sent to redeem us, the pain, the sacrifice, the ultimate love of a mother and her
Son. Many have shared this most beautiful song of "Mary did you
know?" as their favorite for this season but it is a song for all seasons...a merciful Son that she
walked His walk along His side awaiting this moment...to save us!
Your words truly ring a a heart
changed by the awareness of this
awesome responsibility of Mary as the mother of Jesus Christ & the love it took and the pain to watch Him grow! Such beautiful inspiration! Such sweet words of a mother's love for her son!
I've always loved this song. Thanks for sharing.
One of my very favorite Christmas songs!
I love this.
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