It Was a Simple “Yes”

It Was a Simple “Yes”

  One of my favorite places to visit when I walked where Jesus walked in 2022 was the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel, built over the cave that tradition says was the home of the virgin Mary. In fact, why not take a few minutes and read Luke 1:26-38, the dialogue between Gabriel and Mary. It’s important because it offers a pattern for our preparation for the coming of Christmas day.

When you read that conversation, you’ll notice that Mary, probably aged 14, wasn’t asked to do anything herself, but to let something be done to her. She wasn’t asked to give up anything, but to receive an incredible gift. She wasn’t even asked to lead a special kind of life. She was simply asked to move forward with her marriage to Joseph, to live the life of a craftsman’s wife. That was just what she had planned to do before she was told that something out of ordinary was going to happen to her.

What was Mary’s response to all that? A simple “Yes” to God. “Let it be with me according to your word.” Her “Yes” implied a trust that was without limit and established a pattern for you and me to imitate.

Maybe for you, the first “Yes” to God’s initiative happened when you heard the Holy Spirit asking you to invite Jesus into your life. And when you said “Yes,” the power of Christ permeated your very being. Your first “Yes” was like Mary’s, without condition and without reservation. And ever since that day, God hasn’t asked you to do more than Mary did. You’re not asked to cultivate a spiritual hot-house kind of life. You’re not asked to deny your humanity or do anything out of the ordinary.

What God does ask of you is your flesh and blood, your daily life, your thoughts, your service to others, your words, your ordinary human joys and sorrows. God asks you to offer yourself, all that you are, just as you are, and to let the Holy Spirit work God’s will in you. Then, like Mary, you can become a Christ-bearer in your part of the world, right where you live and love and work and play.

The first Christ-bearer’s “Yes” was spoken for herself. If you want God’s will to be completed in you, then you must personally echo that surrender of faith. As we wait for the coming of Christmas, Mary is our model.

For those of you who will be worshiping at the Mt. Laurel Church of God this coming Sunday, December 22, God’s message through Pastor Dale will be from Luke 1:39-55. Consider reading this Scripture before coming to worship or before watching on Facebook so your heart is ready to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice.

Oh, one more thing . . . Because next Wednesday, December 25, is Christmas Day, I’ll be spending it with my family and my Lord and there will be NO PD’s Mid-Week Encouragement. Who wants to read emails on Christmas Day anyway?

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.