THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

As we approach Christmas day, I've been thinking a lot about Mary. I've attended two nativity plays this year, so I know that it's easy to see her as a character in the school nativity play, but she was a real woman - just like us. Mary is such great role model.  As I ponder on the Christmas story and see her faith in God; I'm challenged, encouraged and inspired.

Here's three reasons why Mary is a fabulous role model to us women.

1.   She was Real:The Bible says: God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Mary was greatly troubled, not just troubled. It just goes to show that the tendency to assume the worst is nothing new. Mary was a real woman who worried just like we do.

2.    She was humble: The Bible says Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph. I'm sure she had her life all planned out until God changed the script. The angel said: "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. She replied: " How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Mary responded with faith and humbly chose to accept the plan God had for her life. She didn't start demanding her own way - no drama!

3.   She had self -belief: I'm sure there were plenty of experienced mothers to choose from. I find it really interesting that God chose an inexperienced mother to raise Jesus with Joseph. I admire the way Mary didn't allow herself to be defined by her past experience and disqualify herself from the call to be the mother to the son of God. Her self-belief is a awesome.  There's a lot we women can learn from Mary.

Wishing you a fun, relaxing and peaceful Christmas!