“And Mary pondered all these things in her heart.”
Knowing about the process of pregnancy and birth, I realize
that Mary probably felt some pangs of preparation while riding that donkey
through the countryside. She was uncomfortable and ready to rest. And being the
mother of children I love more than my own life, I also know that my own
children were worth being born in the most sterile conditions under the most
favorable situations. Also knowing that
things don’t turn out quite like you want them to, one of mine was almost born
in the car.
This was no ordinary child who was making his appearance on
that holy day. He was a King, destined
to rule the earth. He deserved a king’s birth. Weren’t they making way for God
Himself? The Son of the King of Glory, the Lord of heaven and earth, the
Creator of All. Special attendants, private room and no money spared in the
delivery.
But wait, this King was going to be born in obscurity as his
mother grabbed handfuls of hay to ease her pain and probably grabbed her
husband’s hand as well. No mention of
any attendants at all. Joseph didn’t step up to the owner of the inn and say, “Hold
on buddy. Do you know who we are? And you’re just an innkeeper.”
Humanity often wants its rights. We want our positions acknowledged.
We want people to hearken to our every need. We are easily moved by the
glorious and yet we pout at the humble situations we often find ourselves in.
Jesus came to fulfill His position. But remember, His position
to fulfill included hanging on a cross. A most un-glorious death kept for
thieves and ne’er do wells. He had no earthly goods and when He came to the
world He was born in a manger among cattle and sheep. He continued in the world
and the Word tells us, “the son of man has nowhere to lay his head” meaning He
didn’t have a home to call His own. Not here. And then after His death, while
He was redeeming the world and making a way for us all to be reconciled to Him
His body was placed in a borrowed tomb.
Mary could have reminded people all the time of her great
position and condition. The angel had spoken to her and explained her great
calling. But “she pondered all these things in her heart”. What a lesson for us
who are called of God. And if we are born again, we are all called. There is
purpose and destiny to fulfill in our lives because we belong to Him. We could
arrive on the scene and sing opera with the best of them, “Me. Me. Me.” We could talk about our blood line, our
positions, our assets, our ancestors, our talents, and our rights. We could remind others everyday just how
important we are.
But we’re not. We’re simply fantastically privileged
participants in the greatest biography ever written. We are ne’er do wells who
got called in to become more than we ever could be on our own. And as we seek
to fulfill this destiny that the Lord has called us to, we are simply meant to
reflect His glory. Just as the shepherds in that dark field at night reflected
the glory that shone round about, we too are simply the backdrop for the King.
Oh beloved, it’s Christmas Eve. With all its greatness and with all your
troubles, trials and disappointments, it could be less than wonderful. Except
that you are destined to praise the One who called you out of darkness into His
marvelous light. You are chosen, you are blessed, you are redeemed. God did it
all for love. God called you to Himself because He loved you. He humbled Himself and became an earthly man
for you. He continued His path to death on a cross for you. He rose again so
that you too can rise to newness of life.
You are a magnificent display of His glory and grace! As you prepare the
next day’s events, with pomp and circumstance, good food and lots of laughter,
don’t forget to ponder all these things in your heart and rejoice and be
exceedingly glad! This holy time is the best time to lay aside your worries and
fears. He has it all covered for you beloved. He has it all worked out. He hasn’t
forgotten or forsaken you. Pick up the King’s call and worship Him in the
manger, worship Him at the cross and worship Him because He lives again. He’s
coming back for you beloved, and He won’t return as a babe in a manger, but as
a Mighty King to swoop you into His arms and carry you away to glory!
God loves you and He’s for you and that’s something that
will carry you through all the days of your life, but especially now at
Christmas as you remember the wonder of His extraordinary, out of this world gift
of love, grace, peace and mercy just for you!
Psalm 95:6-7 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel
before the Lord our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches
over, the flock under His care.
Matthew 2:11 They entered the house and saw the child with
his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him….
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but
to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.
I Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty
hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety
on Him, because He cares for you.
Psalm 70:4 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified.”
