Carrying the Christ Child

Mary strolled leisurely down the path toward the well. The walk was only a few hundred yards from home and she looked forward to it most days. The fresh spring-fed water renewed her spirits each day. But today her mind became immersed in wedding preparations, and dreams of making a home with Joseph and nurturing the family they would have together. How blessed she felt for an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life.

Some days her mind drifted into the Scriptures. The mystery of Isaiah’s words always piqued her curiosity. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” But the prophecy was written long ago and for a time that seemed still far away. “One day God will choose a special person to carry the Christ Child,” she thought. Then a voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God,” the angel said. And in the few moments that followed, Mary learned that her life had been changed. She was chosen to carry the Christ Child.

The months following presented all kinds of life changes for her, but I wonder about the thoughts Mary may have had. I wonder if the angel returned occasionally to give her comfort. I wonder how she felt as the Christ Child moved and grew within her. I wonder if she truly believed that she was carrying the Christ Child and that she would deliver the Savior into the world.  I wonder if she knew she was preparing for Christmas.

Well, I don’t know what it was like for Mary. I only know what it is like for me. It is not easy to believe that I have found favor with God and that He has chosen me to carry the Christ Child. When I am unsure of it, I just sit still. I feel Him move and grow within me; and remember his words, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” (John 14:20) 

Like Mary I have been called to carry the Christ Child, and to be one that delivers the Savior into the world. I am preparing for Christmas.

  And so are you.

 You are the light of the world,

Richard+

 www.reflectingthesavior.org

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