Mary, Highly Favored

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” * Favored! Highly favored! Blessed. Often put to the test. Often pondering things in her heart. God didn’t leave her wondering but turn after turn there were signs. Her relative, Elizabeth, in her old age had conceived and the baby in her womb leaped for joy in the presence of Mary’s unborn baby boy, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” How did Mary tell her intended? She was found to be with child. He intended to divorce her. Joseph slept on his decision. An angel of the Lord appeared in his dream - how vividly - commanded to take Mary as his wife. . . “Joseph, son of David…” “Do not be afraid…” “What is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit…” son, Jesus, “will save his people from their sins” After Jesus’ birth, nearby shepherds struck in awe of angels, proclaiming the birth. They hurried to find the Christ child. And once more it is said: Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. In the temple, the Holy Spirit reveals — to righteous and devout Simeon and the fasting, prayer warrior, worshipper Anna — this is the One The child’s father and mother (Mary and Joseph) marveled at what was said about him (Jesus) Magi followed a star to find the child. These wise men bowed down and worshipped him. They gave gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. Joseph dreams again. This time the family’s told to flee to Egypt, to escape danger. Believe! There are signs! Ponder! 12/12/2019 *italics indicate bible verses from the book of Matthew and Luke, NIV