This time of the year there is so much preparation that goes into making our Christmas celebration just so… the decorations, the presents, the food, not to mention all the sweet goodies!
BUT… are we missing the mark? Do we let ourselves get so caught up in the “preparation” that we miss the true “celebration”???
The celebration of Christ is Christmas… More of Christ!
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. ~ Luke 1:45
Mary, the mother of Jesus, must have been preparing her heart in a way that left her ready to receive what the angel spoke to her about carrying the Child (Luke 1:26-38). As a young teenager… I cannot even imagine what an overwhelming thought that would have been to me!
Yet… Mary glorified the Lord within her. She understood that she was carrying the Messiah inside her womb.
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
When I read this today it made me think of the song “Be Born In Me” by Francesca Battistelli. And of course, every time I hear this song tears just pour down my face!
Every morning when I wake… am I ready to let Christ be born in me? Is my heart prepared to receive all that the day may bring? Will I think of Him first when things in the day don’t go as planned, or the bank account is overdrawn, or the kids are screaming, or that car pulls out in front of me without stopping at the corner?
Is my heart prepared to live in the grace and mercy the Lord has given to me and give the same to others?
This is my reminder to be in awe of God! He gave His Son to be born in my heart and yours too!
Choosing to let Christ be born in me… each day is a new beginning to glory in His magnificence! Lord, make my heart Your Bethlehem.
I pray your celebration of Christ is all you need it to be!
From our home… Christmas Blessings to you and yours!
In His Grace, Carin