You know what?

I bet having a baby was not on Mary’s ‘to do’ list for the year Jesus was born. Just a teenager, she was still looking forward to a wedding.

Then the angel came and spoke words that rocked her world, interrupting any plans she may have had. The angel’s announcement set her on a different course – for life.

I am always amazed at Mary’s response to the angel.

“Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

In other words, “Lord, I’m all in for whatever You want.”

Acceptance. Submission. Obedience. Faith.

Often, the happenings in my life are not according to my plan. Sometimes, I just do not understand what God is doing.

I don’t see how God is working in the lives that intersect – sometimes crash – with mine. I can’t interpret the events that interrupt my life. I can’t hear the music being played by instruments that are still tuning.

I can’t unravel the rumblings of this world in a way that makes sense, but God can.

There is a reason He calls me to walk by faith.

Mary could not have comprehended the great joy and the incomprehensible sorrow that would result from the angel’s announcement. She may have had an inkling that her situation would be difficult to explain, but she couldn’t anticipate the journey that was to come as she mothered the Christ Child.

By faith, she surrendered her plans, her dreams, her expectations in the hand of the Father. She made herself available, trusting Him with the details. (I am so thankful for her submissive heart.)

“Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

There is much afoot in our world this Christmas. Our expectations are constantly being challenged and realigned. I can chafe at the difficulties and question God’s plan, or I walk forward in joy as I trust Him with the details.

This Christmas, I want my heart to be like Mary’s heart. “Lord, I’m all in for whatever You have planned.”

Now, that is a Christmas prayer.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he (Christ) humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

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