And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”  Luke 1:38

Our journey to a Mary Christmas begins at the most obvious spot … with the teenage girl who was “highly favored” and chosen to bear the Son of God.   Mary, probably around age 14, betrothed to Joseph, likely a bit older than her.   Just about two years older than my own girl, who will be 12 in February.   I look around at the girls in my church.   Good girls, godly girls.  But still children (even if they don’t want to admit it).

Of course the culture was different and Mary had been raised knowing she’d become a wife early in life.  But what set her apart to the Lord?  What made her distinctive among the young Jewish girls?

I imagine it was an attribute we find in Luke 1:38.   Remember she said, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

She trusted the Lord’s plan.   Without being able to comprehend the fullness of what was about to happen, she chose obedience to a path she could not possibly understand.   Maybe she realized her reputation would be ruined.  Perhaps she hoped Joseph would respond with honor (as he did).   But she had to have known the risk was death.   Stoning was the penalty for her crime.   And she would have no defense anyone would believe.

But she trusted.

Maybe this holiday season you need to trust the Lord’s plan.   Maybe it doesn’t make any sense to you.  Maybe it’s hard and unfair.   Maybe your dreams are not coming true and your plans are falling apart at the seams.

Can you trust?  Will you?

The first key to having a Mary Christmas is trusting God’s plan.  Laying down our dreams and desires, our lists and longings, and walking in humble obedience the path He has laid for us.

What are your plans and dreams for this holiday season?  Think about them, write them down … and then give them to the Lord.   Ask Him for the courage and humility to trust in His plan for you.

What areas of this holiday season do you need to trust to the Lord’s plan?

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Join us on Wednesday and Thursday this week and next as we contemplate a {Mary} Christmas.   If you’d like, grab a button from the sidebar and place it on your website.   We’ll use the hashtag #MaryChristmas to encourage one another.   One last thing, if this post was encouraging to you, will you take a minute to share it with your friends on Facebook or Twitter?  Thank you so much for joining me.  I am praying you will