We go to Luke chapter 2 for the Christmas Story, but the Christmas Plan is laid out in prophecy in the Old Testament and Jesus' birth foretold in Luke chapter 1. So you could say the Christmas Story is found in Luke 2, but the Christmas Plan is presented in Luke 1.
The Angel comes to Mary in Luke 1 and lets Mary know the plan. The plan of redemption for man was greatly advanced when a very simple peasant girl named Mary said a very simple - yes. It was a yes that would change the world forever. There was no great ritual, no greatly advanced theological training required, just a very simple, trusting response from Mary, "I am the Lord's servant, . . . may it be to me as you have said."
God revealed His purpose and plan through the angel, and Mary responded. In a very real sense, this became Mary's worship. Would that it would be the same in our lives this Christmas. May we be always ready to respond to God's purpose and plan with a simple yes. No reasoning away things, no analyzing, just a simple yes to whatever God is saying to us.
It is only then that Christ will be manifested in and through us so that the "God with us" continues through our lives to others. Our love for Him and His love through us to others is a simple, "Yes, Lord! May it be as you have said."
May You and Yours Have a Blessed Christmas! mjm
