This morning Pastor Jim Laffoon said something that grabbed my attention. He was discussing the Christmas story again — and AGAIN a point was mentioned that I’ve never considered.
I shared a few posts back how Mary must have felt when she discovered that she truly was pregnant. She knew she was a virgin, but how could she explain something like this to her parents and her fiance? She could have been stoned to death for bringing shame to her family and Joseph’s family.
As Joseph was considering divorcing Mary privately, the angel appeared. See below:
Matthew 1:18-21
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Ok, so now Mary AND Joseph had heard about this holy miracle. They alone were on this strange, holy journey together.
Now to the nugget that stood out to me today.
Luke 2:8-20
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Mary and Joseph had carried this holy secret in their hearts for 9 months. Think of the weight of what they had been told. The weight of such a secret. I can only imagine the tormenting thoughts that were sent to them both. How many of you know that when the Lord tells you something that satan is right on your heels to make you doubt and question the promise? The bible doesn’t mention what happened during the 9 months of Mary’s pregnancy, but surely there were doubts placed in their hearts.
Ok, back to what Pastor Laffoon pointed out. Think about what a comfort it must have been to Mary and Joseph when the shepherds came with the report of the angels! Finally, confirmation, witnesses … what they had heard was true! What if you were in Mary or Joseph’s shoes? Can you imagine?
The scriptures say that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
What a sweet confirmation this must have been to this young couple.
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On a totally different note, I am doing well on my weight loss journey. I am down over 9 pounds since November 16th. I am so grateful! I am also finding that I am guilty of burying stress/anxiety with food. Now that I’m fasting, I don’t have the food to use as a comfort. It has been interesting.
Have a super blessed week everyone!
Christmas is a few days away!!! Happy Birthday precious Jesus!
Thanks for another great post sis, and congrats on your weight loss. I love you.
Great post!! I just put up a video discussing stress eating…sigh… Love ya!!
We discussed this today in the SS class my hubby leads. How Mary, Joseph, & the shepherds were comforted by angels who told them not to fear. God had a plan. And, reading your post makes me think of Abraham & all who were used greatly by God {who struggled with fear}. Those lessons/examples are for us! To show us that those God uses greatly WILL greatly battle fear. But, as He calls, He equips! And, the bible says 365 different times NOT to fear! That's once for every day in our year. I'll take it! And, I'll trust Him!
Wylie
I can not imagine the thoughts they must have had during those 9 months.
Congratulations on your weight loss.
Blessings, andrea
how neat i have started a post on the same topic..just yesterday!
I will share it eventually when I can put in words what I am wanting to say..
I'm very happy for your weight loss success!
The Lord really did speak this morning, didn't He?
Thanks for always sharing from your heart!
Thank you for your post, sometimes I think we forget that these people we read of in the Bible were just like us. They experienced life just as we do. Mary was favored of God to be the mother of our Savior, but I am sure there was times when it was hard for her to realize what was happening. Great news about the weight loss. I began last Wednesday with this intermittant fasting, and I am doing great. Thank you for sharing.
I can't even imagine the thoughts that were going through her head, but I'll bet they were so glad to know that the secret was out!
Congrats on the weight loss, girl! I know that I tend to eat if I'm bored or stressed, like you said.
AMEN! What a beautiful post Beth!
I'll be praying over you during the fasting – I understand all that you are going through. God shows us so much when we stop feeding the flesh!
Love and blessings to your family this Christmas!
Jill
Beautiful post Beth, I have missed visiting you…just happened to find a little time.
What blesses me every time is the willingness of Joseph and especially Mary to obey what God had given them to do. Despite facing ridicules, rejection, hurt, etc…Instead of thinking it was a crazy plan or doubting, they accepted and obeyed.
You're noticing more "nuggets" than ever before… Gotta' be the fasting!!! 🙂 Kidding aside, here's a prayer for a blessed Christmas, and may God bless you with His rich spiritual blessings. Love you in Christ, sister!
Yes, happy birthday to Jesus. I've been struggling with all the goodies lately Beth. However, I did get on my treadmill this morning.
Love,
Debbie
It was a great message on Sunday. I was thinking about how the shepherds and the wise men were the only one to see it because they were the only ones awake with their eyes to the heavens and how we need to be awake to God and keep our eyes on Him.
Congrats on the weight loss, you have been lookin' good!
I am going to have to try the fasting, I am so using food right now to help with the stress.