Daily Devotionals
Wednesday, December 11, 2024c (Paula)
“More like Mary, less like Eve…”
Each Christmas season as I set up my nativity, I choose one of the “figurines” in the manger scene and try and spend the season contemplating and praying from their unique perspective. It keeps the Advent season fresh and meaningful every year. It also helps me examine my own life and learn to ditch useless attitudes and grow in new ways by being challenged by what the biblical characters reveal to us in the gospel accounts.
Last year, I chose a shepherd’s perspective. This year, I chose Mary.
So…I have found my prayer on repeat this season has been, “Lord, help me to be more like Mary and less like Eve in how I respond to you.”
Mary’s life was interrupted and forever changed by her interaction with the angel Gabriel who told her the miraculous news that she would conceive, carry, and birth Jesus the Messiah.
Her response, “See, I am the Lords servant, may it happened to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38
Think about that!!
What would I have said or done in her place? I can hardly imagine! Hidden, denied, refused, talked back, lied, ran away, feared?
Her posture of acceptance, obedience, and courage was one of open hands and a trusting heart. She knew the voice of the Father, and though the calling was heavy and huge, Mary was willing, and she entrusted herself completely and wholly to Him.
Just… wow.
By contrast, my personal tendency is that “inner Eve”, questioning God’s instructions, listening to the enemy’s twisted lies, reasoning and desiring what I think sounds and looks good.
But that road is always a dead end.
Mary’s humble acceptance led to abundant life! For all of us - in accordance to Gods plan.
“More like Mary, less like Eve…”
Resting in Gods love, rather than grasping.
Accepting rather than rejecting.
Obeying rather than questioning.
Inviting the work of the Holy Spirit rather than grieving the Holy Spirit’s work in us.
“More like Mary, less like Eve.”
Sisters, may our posture become more like that of Mary’s. May we be courageous and willing to say yes to God’s Word to us in the big and small moments!
Better Together,
Paula
Each Christmas season as I set up my nativity, I choose one of the “figurines” in the manger scene and try and spend the season contemplating and praying from their unique perspective. It keeps the Advent season fresh and meaningful every year. It also helps me examine my own life and learn to ditch useless attitudes and grow in new ways by being challenged by what the biblical characters reveal to us in the gospel accounts.
Last year, I chose a shepherd’s perspective. This year, I chose Mary.
So…I have found my prayer on repeat this season has been, “Lord, help me to be more like Mary and less like Eve in how I respond to you.”
Mary’s life was interrupted and forever changed by her interaction with the angel Gabriel who told her the miraculous news that she would conceive, carry, and birth Jesus the Messiah.
Her response, “See, I am the Lords servant, may it happened to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38
Think about that!!
What would I have said or done in her place? I can hardly imagine! Hidden, denied, refused, talked back, lied, ran away, feared?
Her posture of acceptance, obedience, and courage was one of open hands and a trusting heart. She knew the voice of the Father, and though the calling was heavy and huge, Mary was willing, and she entrusted herself completely and wholly to Him.
Just… wow.
By contrast, my personal tendency is that “inner Eve”, questioning God’s instructions, listening to the enemy’s twisted lies, reasoning and desiring what I think sounds and looks good.
But that road is always a dead end.
Mary’s humble acceptance led to abundant life! For all of us - in accordance to Gods plan.
“More like Mary, less like Eve…”
Resting in Gods love, rather than grasping.
Accepting rather than rejecting.
Obeying rather than questioning.
Inviting the work of the Holy Spirit rather than grieving the Holy Spirit’s work in us.
“More like Mary, less like Eve.”
Sisters, may our posture become more like that of Mary’s. May we be courageous and willing to say yes to God’s Word to us in the big and small moments!
Better Together,
Paula
