Thousands of years ago, the angel Gabriel stepped before a young woman named Mary in a town named Nazareth. Golden light lit up around this angel and Mary who stood dumbfounded in awe and respect. The angel told Mary that she would in the months that followed, carry and bear a son in a place called Bethlehem, and He would be named Jesus. Mary said, "But I am not married and have not known a man!" But the angel went on to say that Mary would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and her son would be known as the Son of God.
Mary did as she was told and sensed the Person of the Holy Spirit within her. Her beloved friend and mate-to-be, Joseph, found it hard to understand, but married Mary and in time they went off to find the village of Bethlehem, staying estranged from one another until after the Babe was born.
I find it interesting that Mary did not quarrel with God regarding the birth of His Son. She was honored, yet apprehensive that she be obedient. And Joseph, too, loved God and although he felt frustrated as any male in love, he made no argument.
Both knew that the Lord had something important for them to do. And their obedience did not waver.
Today is Monday, Dec. 7th--a day most of us will never forget, a day most of us wish we had never had to witness it's iniquity---the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese--the first stroke for us in World War II.. Today we are faced with another kind of war. It is nothing like 1941. This war is filled with individuals who hate. They are not searching to take over our domain. They are searching to take over God!! They may say their god is the true god. But it is a god of fear and disloyalty and treachery and lies.
Sunday, in our church, our beloved pastor told the story of God meeting with Mary and made arrangements for His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born. This Son was to be all of what God the Father is, plus all that a human being is, and only God could accomplish this! But, God needed a human couple to carry out His plan--a woman to be the Mother of God's child and a male to protect the woman and the child born, the Child of God, Son of the Holy Spirit. And Mary did not refuse. Nor did Joseph who protected both the mother and the child. The Son of God was born because two people obeyed out of love for God.
Now, here we are contemplating today's world. Terrible things happening. People are fearful, so much so they are buying terrible guns to return the terror. What will become of us? What are we to do? Can we be as obedient to God's call as were Mary and Joseph?
Yes, we can! The Holy Spirit is right with us, you and me! And He is saying..."Follow me. Follow in the steps of Mary. Be obedient and listen. Hear me and obey. Trust and Believe. Trust and Obey. All will be well. I am with you always even until the end of the days. Love one another. Love brings peace. Do not be afraid. I will be with you always."
He is with us...always! Do not be afraid.
Jo INMN
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