Choosing Christmas, Day Eleven

Day Eleven

December 13

Remember on Day Three when we talked about how our faith walks encourage one another? And then on Day Six we talked about Mary’s humble and willing “be it done unto me according to God’s word” response to Gabriel? Well today, we’ll focus on how these two thoughts explode in a marvelous celebration from Elizabeth, for indeed “God is working all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Here’s a beautiful example of our win/win Father: Elizabeth’s words are blessing Mary, but Mary’s faith has blessed Elizabeth! Mary is blessed by Elizabeth’s faith-strengthening words, because only the Spirit of God could have told Elizabeth that Mary was carrying the Messiah. At the same time, Elizabeth is rejoicing in Mary’s faith, because Mary’s faith is aligning with God’s purpose in both women’s lives! Someone, please shout “hallelujah!”

11) I like to say that Christmas happens to men, and women make Christmas happen. Amen, ladies? As we engage in conversations about Christmas with our family and friends (and yes, our best buddies!), let’s remember that we can potentially be a source of great encouragement or mutual discouragement. Let’s compose a prayer asking the Lord to keep this uppermost in our thoughts today, so we don’t join in faith-dampening complaints about the stress of the season.

Hugs,
Shellie