The Spiritual Pathway of Christmas

I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. Luke 1:38

                                                   

She is a young woman, most likely a teenager. She lives in an obscure village tucked away in the hills of Galilee called Nazareth. She is engaged to a man of the tribe of David named Joseph. Hers is an ordinary life in every respect except that her world is about to be turned upside down by an unexpected visitor.

The angel, Gabriel, has come to announce an event that will change the course of human history, but in order for it to happen he needs Mary’s consent: “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.”

Scripture says Mary was deeply troubled. How could she, a virgin, give birth to a child? How could she explain the situation to Joseph? What would the people of the village think when they discovered she was pregnant and unmarried?

The salvation of the world hung in the balance as she pondered.

Mary’s response is an example for all:  I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. This is the spiritual pathway for all who desire to be Christ’s disciples: to take our place as servants of God, to believe his Word (even if seemingly impossible), and then to yield to his will saying, Let it be. In this way Christ is born in us and lives the miracle of Christmas through us every day.

Mary's response is an example for all.