Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

Soaked in God's Word, Sprouting Seeds of Faith

Mary Christmas, Part 3: Mary, mother of Jesus

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Luke 2:8-19 (NASB)

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

It was such an ordinary birth, for such an extra-ordinary child…in a stable, no less! His first bed is a feeding trough! My son. My sweet little baby boy. His ten little toes and ten little fingers, and His perfect little mouth, take my breath away. He’s MY SON, and yet – the Son of God! This tiny baby boy that I gave birth to, is the Son of God. It’s a miracle! HE is a miracle.

I could hardly believe what the angel Gabriel told me: that I had found favor with God; that I would conceive and give birth to a son; that Joseph and I should name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. My son, the Savior of the world! How could it be?

My beautiful baby boy! He is so perfect – His beautiful baby’s smile, His sweet, soft baby skin. When He gazes at me with His wide innocent eyes, my heart melts. He wraps His little fingers around mine and clings as if for life – they way the world will cling to Him one day.

My son…Immanuel…God with us!

Are you pondering the miracle of Jesus this Christmas?

Nativity carved with Mississippi red cedar by James Buie (http://www.jamesbuie.com/); Photography by John Chauvin Flash! Photography
Nativity carved with Mississippi red cedar by James Buie (http://www.jamesbuie.com/); Photography by John Chauvin Flash! Photography

Mary Christmas, Part 2: Mary & Martha

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Luke 10:39 She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.

“I honestly don’t know how Mary does it! She always manages to get out of the work that needs to be done. I mean, there are so many preparations…people to feed and serve! For goodness sakes, we have the Lord Jesus here for dinner!

“But noooo, she’s sitting at His feet, listening to Him speak.  I would certainly like to be in there listening too, but somebody’s got to watch the meat on the fire. And there’s other food to be prepared. And the table needs to be set. I really could use some help in here!DSCN0032

“I know she sees me. She couldn’t help but see me!  She can tell I’m overwhelmed with all this. Why isn’t she coming to offer her assistance? NOW! I need her help NOW!

“I’ll just peek into the other room and try to get Mary’s attention. Oh my word! OH MY WORD! OH MY WORD! What on earth is she DOING?!?

“She’s pouring that really expensive bottle of perfume on Jesus’ feet! REALLY? Oh, no. No, it can’t be! She’s…she’s…NO-O-O-O, she’s wiping the perfume off with her HAIR!

“That is it! I have had enough! I am going out there right now and get Mary back here in the kitchen to help me. There is work to be done, and she is wasting our very best perfume, not to mention just sitting around listening to Jesus. I am going to let them all know how I feel.DSCN0011

“Lord, can’t You see that Mary’s left all the work to me? Don’t You care? I need her help! Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I won’t take it away from her!” (Luke 10:41-42, TLB)

“Martha, I am sitting at the feet of the Christ, the Son of God.  He won’t always be here with us. Come, sit with me at His feet. Let’s enjoy this time we have with Him.  You’re too distracted! Come, sit! Let’s listen to Jesus and His word.”DSCN0060

“Really, Mary? Stop all the preparations? Leave things undone? I don’t know if I can….But…I…REALLY…DO… WANT to stop. Just for a minute. I’ve been so busy. I’m so tired of all the planning and details. Yes! I will be still. Yes! I will stop. Yes! I will listen to the words of Jesus!”

Are you sitting at the feet of Jesus this Christmas?