The Wonder of Christmas

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:26-28 ESV)

Mary has gotten a lot of attention through the years.  With a greeting like that from an angel, I can understand why!  She is favored by the Lord who is with her.  There is also the next part, where she births the Savior of the world!  But, she does have a significant role in the wonder of Christmas.

I know a lot of women who are mothers-my own mother, many friends and relatives-who I consider to be amazing women and mothers.  Today, though, as I think of Mary, I am thinking of my friend, Melissa, since it is her birthday.

Melissa has reminded me many times, through her actions and her words, the I am favored by our Lord who walks with me.  Melissa believes with all her heart that we are God's beloved.  She wants all women, and men, to understand that God whispers "I love you" in our ears each day.  

Sometimes I feel like a failure, like I messed up, like I do not deserve God's love.  Melissa is there to remind me that I, too, am my Lord's beloved, his favored one.  She reminds me that I am loved.

I am grateful for a friend who reminds me.

I am wonderstruck that our Lord loves us, loves me.