.png)
We got lights on our house for the first time this year. I love them! I love how bright and beautiful they shine in the darkness. My favorite part is the nativity scene. It’s one of those white silhouette nativity scenes. We put a spotlight on it so that at night, it casts a huge shadow of the nativity on the wall of our house behind it. How magnificent it is. How magnificent Jesus is. I could sit and stare at the lights and nativity all night. They bring me hope, peace, and joy.
As I pause to stare at the nativity scene, I can’t help but wonder what Mary felt the first time she held baby Jesus. Did she feel worthy? Was she hesitant to hold the King and Savior of the world?
When reading the story in Luke, I am in awe of Mary’s response to the angel telling her she would have a son, not just any son, but “the Son of the Most High.” (Luke 1:32 ESV)
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’” (Luke 1:38 ESV)
Mary was afraid when the angel first approached her to tell her the good news of Jesus birth. (Luke 1:29-30) However, when the angel explained what would happen, she immediately felt humbled and ready to follow the Lord into a new adventure.
This new adventure brought us the Savior of the world, the Son of the Most High. Mary got to hold him as a baby. She probably embraced him as many moms do when their babies are born. She probably held him close to her body, praising God before she wrapped him in swaddling cloths and placed him in the manger. Then, watched in adoration and amazement, the Son of God.
He shone bright for all the world to see as many followed the star to come see what God had done during dark times. Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” Jesus was born during dark times to bring hope, peace and joy to the world. He came for us, all of us.
He is the bright light that still shines even in these dark days.
God, You are Savior.
