Advent Week 1: How does Mary inspire you today?

December has arrived, the month we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

As the frost covers Hubbard's Hills and the Christmas lights make our town sparkle, I can't help but glow too as I see Jesus all around at this time of year - in the beautiful winter skies, the love of family and friends, the kindness and generosity of strangers.

Let us rejoice and let the love of Jesus flow out to all this festive season, and especially to those who need it most. 

As we begin our journey to Christmas, in church and at home, we can pause to reflect on how different parts of the Christmas story of 2,000 years ago can teach us in our faithful walks with the living Lord today.

This year, I'm thinking a little more deeply about Mary.

Each December, as we read the events of the Nativity, we reflect on the obedience of Mary: how a humble, young virgin was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. We look at those famous words of scripture:

‘“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1: 38, NIV)

‘“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”’ (Luke 1: 45, NIV) 

Mary is an inspiring example of the strength and courage in faith that we need to walk with God each day, whether we know His plans for us or if we’re still waiting to find out. 

But she is so much more than that too.

In the Christmas story and throughout the Gospels, I notice a depth of gentleness and grace to Mary that truly inspires me. She lives and moves with a strength for God that I, for one, certainly need to pray for - yet I feel she does it all with a sweet, gentle and gracious heart. 

Often, when I think of courage in faith, I think first of the New Testament disciples who traveled and boldly preached the gospel in the face of great trials, like Saint Paul.

I need to think more often of Mary. 

Mary accepts the naturally impossible - “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1: 37, NIV) - and lives through great blessings and trials with a strength that is sweet and gentle, as well as courageous. I find a deep lesson in this, on how to live as disciples in a modern, noisy world where both strength and purity are needed. 

The complexity of Mary deepens when we read Mary's Song: 

‘And Mary said: 

“My soul glorifies the Lord

And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

For he has been mindful 

Of the humble state of his servant.”’

(Luke 1: 46-48, NIV)

When overflowing with great joy and awe for God, Mary does so from a humble heart. 

As we ask and wait for the Lord to move in our lives - like how Mary faithfully anticipated Jesus’ arrival, following the promise from God - may we approach Him and those around us with the sweetness and humility of Mary. May our joy at the celebration of Christmas be pure and deeply heartfelt.

This year, as I read the Christmas story, I’m trying to look a little closer and learn from the beautiful nature of Mary, revealed in His Word. I’m thinking about her character, her nature, and what God wants me to learn from her, for my own walk with Him. And I’m hoping to appreciate Mary and be encouraged by her not just at Christmas, but also in the months ahead. 

As we begin Advent, is there anything you see of Mary in Scripture that inspires your walk? 

I pray that, through the excess and distraction of the modern Christmas season, Jesus will remind us of the gentle, sweet, courageous faith of His mother. Like Mary, may we always be strong and humble as we serve and celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ. 

In next week's blog, we'll take a look at Mary's journey to Bethlehem and think about journeys with Jesus in our own lives.

Have a blessed Advent! Kim x