This morning, the pastor at my church brought up something we should all consider with more than a passing thought, especially at this most important time of the year. In a time before pregnancy outside of marriage, and where women were possessions more than persons, an angel appeared to Mary. The news would change the course of history.
In the birth story from Luke, Mary is told that she had found favor with God. At first glance, this sounds like incredible news! Mary, a poor unmarried woman had found favor with the Most High God. She was told that she would bear a child, which we know as Jesus, our Savior. What could be better? Well, here’s where the thinking comes in…
As Tully so aptly shared, Mary, an unmarried and very pregnant woman would be subject to one of two things: either her betrothed could decide to have her stoned to death for this deceitful and humiliating act, or he could have her sent away quietly, to a life outside her family and friends, most likely to die penniless. It was his choice. He chose option C, and we all have him to thank for this courageous and God-following act. Instead of bowing to conventional wisdom, Joseph chose to follow God.
That angel bore the best news for you and me, but possibilities of death for Mary. The best news for future generations only came to fruition because of the faithful acts of two young poor people, who loved each other, and more importantly loved and served God.
With this said, how do we respond? More pointedly, how should we respond? You and I reap the blessings of God’s decision to save our miserable attempt at living a faithful life by sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile us back to him. We can’t ever pay the sacrifices of Jesus back, and aren’t even asked to, as God knows we could never succeed. We are however called to respond to this blessing. Share your gifts. Love each other. Worship Him. And at Christmas, let us celebrate the Savior’s birth, not shop til we drop and stress ourselves about things that don’t matter. After all, all this pales in importance to risking your life for God, now doesn’t it?
