6 Days to Christmas. Saturday, Dec 19, 2020

“Yes!”

One of the most endearing moments of the Christmas story is the moment when Mary is visited by the angel and informed about her pregnancy. For two thousand years, artists have depicted this scene in all kinds of ways, trying to imagine what it must have been like.

Part of the reason this scene is so popular is that it is somewhat believable. Mary was, by all accounts, poor. She did not have much money, many resources, fancy cars, or a big house. She was not endowed with superhero powers and didn’t seem to be anyone special before the angel’s announcement.

I can relate to this part of the story. I have often imagined what I would do if I were visited by an angel and told to do something incredible. Could I have the Faith to say, “Yes”? Could I have the courage to follow through with my, “Yes”? Would I be able to withstand the social humiliation, the loss of prestige and honor, and the physical, mental, and emotional struggles that would follow my “Yes”?

Faith is a difficult subject. We often know what to do and have a great desire to follow through, but somewhere along the way, we get distracted and veer off course.

This Christmas, we are blessed with the opportunity to say, “Yes”, to God. But like Mary (and Joseph), saying “Yes” is only the beginning. If we really want to experience God’s full blessings through Christmas, we need to say “Yes” and then live out our lives in a manner that shows everyone the saving power of Christmas.

“Then Mary responded, saying, ‘This is amazing! I will be a mother for the Lord! As his servant, I accept whatever he has for me. May everything you have told me come to pass.’ And the angel left her.” (Luke 1:38, The Passion translation)