Advent Begins

As we begin this Advent season, as the weeks and days draw us nearer to Christmas and the celebration of our Savior's birth, I think it's appropriate to look at one of the most obedient acts in history. You could argue that, outside of Jesus' life, Himself, no situation represented Living the Unfiltered for God life more than Jesus' mother Mary and His birth.

The Bible doesn't explicitly say that she had a choice in the matter necessarily, but she did approach it with the heart of a servant. She asked one question, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" The Angel replied, referring to the Holy Spirit and the power of the Most High, and she accepted it. “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:26-38). No arguing, no questioning, no, "Um, Mr. Angel, this is kinda crazy, are you sure about this?" Just obedience. She trusted the Lord and what His messenger the Angel had told her.

It's also interesting to see what Mary did right after this. She didn't fret about the future, she didn't second guess herself and her decision. No, she went to her cousin Elizabeth's home to help her with her own miracle pregnancy. She stayed there three months until the birth of who we know as John the Baptist.

So then, as we enter into this Christmas season, let's remember what this holiday is all about. Let's remember to keep Christ in the center of it. Let us not take for granted the miracles, and the blessings, that are at the core of what we are celebrating. And when we hear His voice, prompting us to do whatever it may be, let us remember that with obedience, comes great blessing.



Location: Milton, GA, USA

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