We've journeyed through the life of Christ alongside three very important women ... Mary, His mother; Mary, of Bethany; and Mary, of Magdala. And we've learned four keys to having a Mary Christmas: Trust the Lord's Plan, Take Time to Dwell in His Presence, Turn to His Voice, and Treasure the Moments. My Christmas wish for you is that you will indeed... _________________ Merry, Merry Christmas!! With love from my home to yours, Teri Lynne ... [Read More]
Have Yourself a {Mary} Little Christmas – Part 4
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19 We've come full circle, back to the young mother of the Savior. Can you see her? Sitting in a small home, barren of any luxury ... and yet she's smiling. Eyes closed but face glowing with the peace that comes from within. Mary treasured the moments. And I imagine as Jesus grew into a man and ultimately was crucified then ascended to heaven, Mary went back to a night in stable with dirty shepherds and ... [Read More]
Have Yourself a {Mary} Little Christmas – Part 3
"Mary!" Jesus said. She turned to him and exclaimed, "Teacher!" John 20:16 Mary of Magdala. Exorcised of demons and embraced by the Savior. I suppose that is, in many ways, the story for each of us. Whether our past includes the "biggies" or just a few "little" sins, we've all experienced the very real exchange old life for new. As Paul wrote the church at Corinth, What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is ... [Read More]
Have Yourself a {Mary} Little Christmas – Part 2
"But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42 Mary of Bethany ... the contemplative, earnest, passionate woman who sat at the feet of Christ and then annointed those same feet with her perfume and tears. Certainly we can learn from her. To be honest, she intimidates me. In fact, she intimidates me even more than the Proverbs 31 woman. Mrs. P31 I can relate to ... she was busy, a worker. Mary, on the other hand ... she ... [Read More]
Have Yourself a {Mary} Little Christmas, Part 1
And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38 Our journey to a Mary Christmas begins at the most obvious spot ... with the teenage girl who was "highly favored" and chosen to bear the Son of God. Mary, probably around age 14, betrothed to Joseph, likely a bit older than her. Just about two years older than my own girl, who will be 12 in February. I look around at the girls in my church. Good girls, godly girls. But still ... [Read More]
Have Yourself a {Mary} Little Christmas – Introduction
Not all women are Marthas, but even women who aren't generally become Marthas at Christmas. How else would Christmas get done if it weren't for us. ~ Brenda Poinsett Gift-buying. Menu-making. Present-wrapping. Cookie-baking. House-decorating. Tree-trimming. Party-hosting. Photo-taking. No-sleeping. It's the most wonderful time of the year! And the most exhausting. Whether we busy ourselves with Jesse Trees and Advent wreaths or Santa Claus and The Nutcracker Suite or some combination of ... [Read More]
