Tag: Mary

Mary’s Anticipation: What Did She Feel?
Christmas · My Thoughts

Mary’s Anticipation: What Did She Feel?

Larada Horner-MillerLeave a comment
Pregnant woman - Mary's anticipation

Today, I wonder about Mary’s anticipation of the birth of her first child, Jesus. She knew deep in her heart who he was, but. . .? What did she feel two days before this life changing event?

As I ponder the celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day, I have often written about Mary’s reaction to this task she accepted, and this year it’s Mary’s anticipation. She was an unmarried 15- or 16-year young woman in Nazareth, a scandalous situation. Yes, being betrothed to Joseph provided some sort of protection maybe, but what about Mary’s anticipation. Let’s think about that.

Mary’s Anticipation

Today Mary sighed. It had been a long day with her sizable belly growing for so many months now. Joseph continued to question her about her she felt and wanted to help. He felt helpless as he watched Mary’s young body change and her anticipation grow. Her mom had counted the days and knew the delivery time of her baby loomed close now. Possibly any day. Close to nine months had passed. Mary’s mom had mixed feelings—soon she would hold her grandchild but what about all this God stuff.

Yes, Mary’s conversations with her mom had lessened her mom’s anger and fear. For months, Mary stayed the calm one in what appeared to be a disaster—her mom cried endlessly and her dad raged. But Mary kept talking with her mother in quiet, soothing ways in the corner of their house after dinner when the sun set and the world seemed right.

When Mary told her mother about Gabriel’s visit, her mom gasped and realized Mary’s story couldn’t be a lie. Gabriel stood out in Jewish history as an archangel who is a messenger of God and a protector of the Jewish people. How could Mary’s mother doubt her accusations?

But today, Mary felt heavy, uncomfortable. The baby moved inside her like he was racing around the limited race track inside. Mary marveled at Joseph’s constant care—silent yet supportive.

Mary’s anticipation had a strange mixture to it—she could hardly wait to hold her child, yet she knew the future held many heartbreaks. How could it not?

Gabriel had been specific when he visited Mary as told in Luke 1:28-38. He greeted Mary and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). Imagine being a young woman greeted by an angel. How often did Mary see angels?

Reassurance

At first Mary felt what any of us would feel—fear, anticipation, doubt, wonder! Then Gabriel reassured her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1: 30-33). He spelled it out and as Mary sat tonight so many years ago wondering about what might happen in the next couple days, she returned to these words for solace and comfort.

Baby's foot - Mary's anticipation

Finally,

Here we stand three days before the birth of Christ. Mary’s anticipation translated into a miracle that certainly changed the world over 2000 years ago and does again every year. If I am available. . .

Nativity - Mary's Anticipationa

So, what are you doing this Christmas? Approximately 115 million people plan to travel this Christmas, probably to be with family. Research shows that only 47% of Americans plan to go to church this Christmas. Yes, being together with family is a bedrock of the Christmas spirit, but how about a church service on Christmas Eve (my favorite church service of the year) or a service Christmas morning? As a nation, we need to respect Mary’s anticipation of the birth of her son, Jesus, and do more than relegate this holiday to a Santa Claus event, void of any celebration of the Christ Child. Enlarge that 47% prediction and grab your family and attend a church service to celebrate the birth of Jesus—choose to be different this year!

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Do You Know Mary? Do You Know Joseph?
Christmas · My Thoughts

Do You Know Mary? Do You Know Joseph?

Larada Horner-Miller1 Comment

A young Jewish girl humbly accepted a visit from God’s angel, Gabriel, and puzzled over his message that she would be the mother of the Messiah. At first, she couldn’t fathom the idea. The Jewish world had been waiting centuries for His coming. She was a teenager and single. What a shock!

Being single, Mary questioned Gabriel about how she could give birth to a child. Patiently Gabriel explained the mystery. Her humble response echoes through the ages, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Her answer was “Yes!”

Mary’s song in response is recorded in Luke 1:46-55 and is a celebration of her commitment to do God’s will–read it out loud and celebrate her obedience.

Imagine what those nine months after an angel’s visit were like. Some sort of marriage happened. Joseph protected Mary during this time, knowing that this child she carried was special. Pregnancy outside of marriage during this time in history was scandalous!

As her time neared, they had to make a rush trip to Bethlehem from their hometown of Nazareth. Caesar Augustus required a census, and Joesph belonged to the house and line of David, so they went to Bethlehem to register Mary.

Nine months pregnant, Mary faced a 160 kilometer trip. Did she walk part of the way and ride a donkey the rest? How long did it take? In today’s world, it’s a three hour trip, but their’s had to take hours, maybe days.

Each mounting step jarred this pregnant woman. As she neared Bethlehem, the birth pangs hit. Did her water break before or after they found the manger? As they moved from inn to inn, Joseph realized there was no place to stay–the census had overloaded the small Jewish city. What to do?

Thinking outside the box, he found an empty stable and tied his tired donkey up. Gently, he lifted Mary off of its back and nestled her in a soft bed of hay. The time had arrived. He delivered his child, the Son of God, alone there in their makeshift home.

Mary trusted his judgment and knew that they would be OK. Her screams echoed through the hills. Joseph wiped sweat from her brow, praying for God’s guidance. One last scream and a new sound was added to the quiet night–the cry of a newborn baby.

Joseph wrapped his newborn son in clothe they had brought with them and placed him in the manger. God directed him on how to cut the umbilical cord and tend to Mary’s needs. His heart burst with pride–a son to carry on his business, his own son, but wait! This was God’s son! What did that mean for Joseph and Jesus?

Mary’s eyes focused on the baby, Jesus–her baby. Tears welled up in her eyes as her heart burst with joy! Her baby boy was here! She savored the serenity of the moment. Then the quiet stable changed as the twosome noticed an angel appear. The trumpet blast from the angel announcing the birth of Jesus shattered the silence. The cows and donkey in the stable woke up and joined the chorus of angels in celebrating this birth. Shepherds with their sheep drifted in the door and bowed to the newborn King. They shed tears of joy in the fulfillment of the promise! They moved aside but lingered, as three wise men laid gifts at the feet of this amazing baby. This mixture of Jew and Gentile surprised Mary and Joseph.

Mary and Joseph looked at each other in amazement and smiled–it was true! The message from Gabriel nine months ago was true! They were now the parents of the Son of God!

Copyright ©2018 Larada Horner-Miller

These are my thoughts about a familiar story–have you ever thought about what happened that night so long ago in Bethlehem? I challenge you to do so this Christmas.

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Why a Baby?
Christmas · My Thoughts

Why a Baby?

Larada Horner-Miller3 Comments

A newborn baby coos and breathes a heavy sigh, feeling safe and warm. Mary rolls over and lays her arm across the baby to make sure he’s OK. Joseph stirs because of Mary’s movement–the trio connected deeply after a long trip and the eventful night of birth.

Tranquil animals surround these three in this stable in the little town of Bethlehem. A jersey cow moos softly and adjusts a hind leg that’s cramped. A donkey brays and twitches an ear with lazy eyes closing to rest! Sheep move like shadows around this enclosure, chewing the scattered hay and enjoying the warmth generated by the other animals and humans. The peaceful mixture of sounds in that manger so long ago echo through the centuries.

A baby – why did God decide to come to earth as a defenseless, dependent baby 2000+ years ago?

The answer is easy:  the allure of a baby is magical, especially a new born. Just watch children and adults alike swarm to uncover a newborn, look into the face of innocence and joy and wonder at another miracle. Yes, a baby attracts most everyone to its side, and that’s what God wanted.

So this Christmas, make sure you take the time to really connect with the baby Jesus in that stable. Look into His eyes, touch His small round hands and marvel that you are staring at the face of God!

Several years ago, I wrote the following short story and it certainly connects at this time of the year–Enjoy!

I Found My Answer

            She looks so familiar; I’ve seen her before.  She has the answer I know to the question that has been haunting me for months.  All I have to do is get her alone and ask my question, my one big important question.  Any time I get close enough to her to ask, my parents throw their arms up to guard the baby and scream, “Don’t hurt the baby!  Be careful!  She’s fragile.  You could hurt her.”

            You see, she’s new.  They just brought her home from the hospital.  Her name is Ann.  I’m Laurie, her three-year-old sister.  I wasn’t that excited about her when she was in my mom’s tummy, but since I’ve seen her, I know she’s got the answer, if they will ever let me near her, alone!

            I try to outfox them–one time after another I almost get to her–to whisper my question in her ear.  She’s one of those who knows, and I know it.  I recognize her and her spirit.  But their stopping me frustrates me. What am I to do?

            I must get to her before she forgets, like I have.  Or have I?  I have a vague recollection.  Cloudy images float through my mind at times that are a part of the answer, but I know she knows for sure!

            My deep desire for the answer only increases; my tactics change, but nothing seems to work.  They’re set on protecting her from me, and I’m equally set on getting to her for the answer.

            I stand by my mom as she holds her–that beautiful cherub face ready to tell me, but I know I can’t ask this question in front of Mom. She would only get upset because I would need to get real close to Ann.  I have to whisper right in her ear then put my ear up to her mouth to hear her response, because it will be spoken very softly and gently in words no adult can recognize.  I think I still can understand.  I used to be able to hear that.  I’ve seen that face before I know.  I’ve heard some of her sounds and they sound vaguely familiar–other worldly.  I don’t need much time, only minutes, but we need to be alone and quiet!

            I don’t give up, but my plans have changed.  I stop the outright method; I wait and watch for the opportune time, and my patience finally pays off.

            Ann is baptized at one month old, and my parents give a big party, inviting family and friends to show off their new child. This proves to be the distraction I need.

            The guests all “ooh” and “ah” over her and bring me gifts too, so I won’t feel left out.  I’m not worried about gifts or sibling rivalry or stuff like that–I’m on a mission.  My folks think I’m jealous of Ann, that I want to hurt her, but that’s not true at all.  If only I could it explain it to them.

            Mom has lots of delicious food and drink.  They enjoy good light-hearted conversation with family and friends.  For the first time since Ann arrived, my parents relax about me bothering my baby sister. The party atmosphere distracts them, so I’m on the move.

            Startled back to reality, Mom asks my grandma, “Where’s Laurie?”    Everyone starts the search for me, but my time had come a few moments ago when quietly I slipped out of the living room, up the stairs into my baby sister’s room.  She was sleeping, but that’s OK.  I can still talk to her anyway, and she’ll answer.

            I pull a chair over to her crib and crawl up into it, careful not to hurt her.  I lay down next to her and began whispering my question into her ear —

            “Tell me — what does God looks like?  I have been here for three years, and I have almost forgotten.”

            A knowing smile crosses Ann’s lips, and her answer came through her spirit as I heard her response, “He looks like me.”  Yahoo! I knew it!  That’s why she looked so familiar!  Something inside me knew it all along!!  Every time I have seen a baby in the last three years, I’ve gotten the urge to ask that question.  I felt drawn to the newborn, but having a baby in my own home really made the asking easy–after I got passed Mom and Dad.

            That answer quieted my spirit, and I was peaceful at last.  She did reconnect me with my God.  Now I could hold on to this truth for a few more years.

            Little did I know my Aunt Janey was sitting in a rocking chair in the corner of the room and had heard the whole conversation (my side only because she can’t hear babies.)  My question touched her heart deeply.

            She didn’t move or try to stop me.  I fell asleep next to my sister at peace with the answer, and my parents found me resting there after their mad search–my quest had ended moments earlier.  I had found my answer.

Copyright © 2018 Larada Horner-Miller

What does the face of God look like to you? Let me know!

Check out my web site: https://www.laradasbooks.com

Huge Discounts on E-books at my Etsy Shop, Larada’s Reading Loft

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