Can you imagine being Mary? A young unmarried girl suddenly found to be pregnant in a day when such a thing demanded stoning, and yet she was not afraid.
Why not?
What was it about Mary that gave her such peace in a situation where most would be, at the very best, afraid, and at the very worst overcome with panic, worry, depression and desperation?
Was there something significant about her? Something outside the realm of the usual?
Not really. Except maybe one thing.
Mary knew where to place her faith. She knew she could trust what God had for her. She let go of every right she had to live her life in the way she wished.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38
And because she had her faith in God, and because she did not keep from Him her very life, she had Peace.
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49
Because she had her Faith buried in her God, and so could have Peace no matter what He asked of her, He was able to use her to bring the PRINCE OF PEACE to the world.
The Second Candle of Advent is the Candle of Peace, also known as Bethlehem’s Candle.
And so we reflect on how in a little dirty stable, on a dark and cold night, God Himself brought PEACE to the world. In the humble arms of a little girl named Mary who knew where her Peace resided.
As you open up God’s gift of Peace to you today, remember that Peace comes from having faith in God and handing over our lives for His purposes and service. He has so much in store for you!
You can have a Peace like Mary, a Peace that is in all circumstances and beyond reason, just by trusting the PRINCE OF PEACE with your heart!
Merry Christmas!
Joy Aletheia Stevens
Photo Credit: by Alexander Boden (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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