Mary Knew
I must admit, I love holiday sweatshirts, not the ones for "Ugly Christmas Sweater" parties, but those with graphics and words that only some would understand. Inspired by movies and my personal faith, these sweatshirts always spark conversations, laughter, and simply the spirit of Christmas. I LOVE the Christmas season.
My most recent purchase from Amazon was delivered last week. Yes, a Christmas sweatshirt. It’s roomy, soft, and has two words printed on the front that simply says, “Mary Knew.”
I often think about Mary’s interactions with the angel, Gabriel, in the gospel of Luke. I won’t quote the entire book, but here are some key points that the angel spoke to Mary:
Mary’s response to this prophecy is one of the sweetest, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
One thing is for sure, when we encounter the Holy Spirit and His presence, we know. God sent His Word to Mary, and we also read that the same message was delivered to both Joseph and a relative Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s Mother) about Jesus. Gabriel was pretty busy, wasn’t He?
I love it when God’s Word is confirmed. It builds our faith and strengthens us to keep believing and moving along, even when we don’t see it and understand fully what is happening.
After months of having a tiny human, not just any tiny human, living inside Mary, she and her husband Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. It was here that Jesus was born in a manger because there wasn’t room in the Inn. You know the story, but don’t forget that there was a journey to get to the end of Jesus’ life. It wasn’t always pretty. While I know Mary and Joseph didn’t see the entire picture, the Word tells us that Mary pondered often of the things God has spoken to her. I love that she was taking it all in, reflecting on her encounter with Gabriel, seeing the Word come true, and dreaming about what would be. Mary hosted God Himself in human form and delivered Him so that true redemption for all people would finally come.
Mary knew.
And just like Mary, you can know and believe the words God has spoken over you. Take time over the Christmas season to be intentional in His presence. Allow Him to remind you of the words He has spoken and continue to speak over you. Just like Mary, you carry the Holy Spirit with you. You are blessed; and because of His Spirit leading you, you have something to give the world as well. His name is Jesus. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. He is the world’s only hope of true Joy and salvation, and you are a carrier of His presence. Through you, just like Mary, redemption and true life can come.
My prayer for you:
I pray that as you enter His presence this week that God will meet you in a powerful way, that His words would penetrate your heart, and that He would fill you with His sweet Holy Spirit. I pray that you would be empowered and equipped to do all that God has called you to do as you journey in life.
Heavenly Father,
Give my friend reading this devotional eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart willing to obey. I pray that no matter the circumstance or journey they are facing, that they will never lose faith in your Word, and that your presence would produce amazing joy. You are enough. You will always be enough. Thank You for sending Jesus, our hope and the only way to You. Amen.
My most recent purchase from Amazon was delivered last week. Yes, a Christmas sweatshirt. It’s roomy, soft, and has two words printed on the front that simply says, “Mary Knew.”
I often think about Mary’s interactions with the angel, Gabriel, in the gospel of Luke. I won’t quote the entire book, but here are some key points that the angel spoke to Mary:
- The Lord is with you!
- Don’t be afraid.
- You have found favor with God!
- You will conceive a child and name him Jesus.
- He will be great and will be called the son of the Most High.
- His Kingdom will never end.
- The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
- The baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God.
Mary’s response to this prophecy is one of the sweetest, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
One thing is for sure, when we encounter the Holy Spirit and His presence, we know. God sent His Word to Mary, and we also read that the same message was delivered to both Joseph and a relative Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s Mother) about Jesus. Gabriel was pretty busy, wasn’t He?
I love it when God’s Word is confirmed. It builds our faith and strengthens us to keep believing and moving along, even when we don’t see it and understand fully what is happening.
After months of having a tiny human, not just any tiny human, living inside Mary, she and her husband Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. It was here that Jesus was born in a manger because there wasn’t room in the Inn. You know the story, but don’t forget that there was a journey to get to the end of Jesus’ life. It wasn’t always pretty. While I know Mary and Joseph didn’t see the entire picture, the Word tells us that Mary pondered often of the things God has spoken to her. I love that she was taking it all in, reflecting on her encounter with Gabriel, seeing the Word come true, and dreaming about what would be. Mary hosted God Himself in human form and delivered Him so that true redemption for all people would finally come.
Mary knew.
And just like Mary, you can know and believe the words God has spoken over you. Take time over the Christmas season to be intentional in His presence. Allow Him to remind you of the words He has spoken and continue to speak over you. Just like Mary, you carry the Holy Spirit with you. You are blessed; and because of His Spirit leading you, you have something to give the world as well. His name is Jesus. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. He is the world’s only hope of true Joy and salvation, and you are a carrier of His presence. Through you, just like Mary, redemption and true life can come.
My prayer for you:
I pray that as you enter His presence this week that God will meet you in a powerful way, that His words would penetrate your heart, and that He would fill you with His sweet Holy Spirit. I pray that you would be empowered and equipped to do all that God has called you to do as you journey in life.
Heavenly Father,
Give my friend reading this devotional eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart willing to obey. I pray that no matter the circumstance or journey they are facing, that they will never lose faith in your Word, and that your presence would produce amazing joy. You are enough. You will always be enough. Thank You for sending Jesus, our hope and the only way to You. Amen.
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