She gave birth to her firstborn

She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

Sometimes, events happen that are so monumental, that nothing will be the same again. Back in 2001, whilst I was on holiday from university, I watched, live on television, the second plane crash into the World Trade Center, and the twin towers collapse. It was a deeply shocking sight, and I knew that this event would change the world for ever. Sure enough, as a consequence, we have found ourselves fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Security has been tightened up in airports and planes, as well as in our major cities.

We remember an even more monumental event on December 25th. On that day, we remember the birth of Jesus. This is without doubt the single most important event in the history of mankind. Even if you do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, this event fundamentally changed the world forever. Jesus’ life and teaching have had a fundamental impact on the way in which we live our lives. Jesus is the most talked about person in the entire world. Even our system of dating has developed as a consequence of this event. If, however, you believe as I do that Jesus was the Son of God, then this event is even more significant, for at Christmas we remember the single greatest miracle in the history of the world – the birth of the Son of God as a man. This baby was no ordinary child; he was himself God. His teachings would go on to be the most well known and respected in the world. He would take our sin upon himself when he died on the cross. He would rise from the dead, conquering death itself.

For someone as significant as the Son of God, his birth was surpisingly ordinary. Not for Jesus a magnificent palace and the best medical care. Luke tells us that Jesus was not even born in an inn, but in a stable, surrounded by animals. He was placed not in a comfortable bed, but in an animals’ feeding manger. This is surely a surprisingly humble way for such an incredible person to be born.

As we celebrate Christmas in our comfortable homes, surrounded by those we love, it is worth remembering how Jesus was born. His life is a pattern for how we should live. Whilst we might not be called to live in stables, we are repeatedly called to live humble lives. Do we follow Jesus’ example? Or do we surround ourselves with unnecessary distractions from the gospel that we are called to follow?

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born.

Luke 2:6

Sometimes things happen when we are least expecting them. Occasionally, unexpected events can really throw a spanner in the works and play havoc with the plans that we have made. Often illness can cause major problems. We make careful plans, and then find ourselves unable to complete all we need to do because we are unwell. Sometimes, even greater changes can cause all sorts of confusion and disruption to our plans. Some years ago, I worked for Marks and Spencer. I had just about worked out my career path when I was made redundant. All the plans that I had for my career where thrown out of the window.

Joseph and Mary must have found themselves in a similar situation. They had plans to get married, live together in Nazareth, and no doubt at some point start a family. Then an angel appeared to Mary, and to Joseph in a dream, and told them that Mary was to give birth to a son. Suddenly, all of their plans were shattered. Then, as if that was not bad enough, just as Mary was reaching her full term, they had to up sticks and head to Bethlehem for a census. Travelling miles along dusty roads to a far away town was not ideal for someone in Mary’s position!

Of course, although it might not have seemed like it, God was very much in control of the situation that Mary and Joseph found themselves in. Not only had he ordained the precise moment when his son was to be conceived, he also knew that Mary and Joseph would have to head to Bethlehem. He knew that Jesus would be born in a stable since there was no room at the inn. This is clear from the Old Testament prophecies. God was in control. He ensured that his son was born in the most humble of surroundings to ensure that he understood the full human experience.

Similarly, God was in control when I was made redundant. It might seem like our lives are just one long sequence of coincidences, and we might have to alter our hopes, expectations and plans, but ultimately, God is in control, He knows what is best for us, and he knows what is best for his kingdom, and he will ensure that his plans, not ours, are brought to fruition.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

Luke 1:51-52

I’m often castigated by people for working in an independent school. People think I’ve sold out, and should be teaching “normal” children in a state school. The way some of my friends react to my chosen place of work amazes me. Many would probably be happier if I was out exploiting African farmers than teaching in a fee paying school. I always find it slightly odd. Personally, I believe very much that God has called me into my workplace. Independent schools so often encourage young people to get a well-paid job, which will enable them to get a pretty wife, drive a nice car, and live in a fancy house. I think that Christians, therefore, have a very important role to play in this sort of environment. It is up to us to show these impressionable young minds that there are other ways to live.

To many, the ideas of Christianity are completely counter cultural. Yet this is frequently the message that we get from the Bible. Here, in the words of Mary, we see some specific examples of the kind of behaviour that God endorses, which runs totally counter to the way our world lives. God has scatterered those who are proud, we are told. God knocks down powerful rulers, yet raises up the most humble. God has sent the rich away, whilst providing for the poor. This, then, is the kind of person that God likes; modest, humble, poor people. These are the people who will inherit a place in God’s kingdom, for it is precisely these people who will place God at the centre of their lives, and not let earthly possessions or self importance come between themselves and God. If we choose to worship the stuff that we own, and constantly seek to acquire more, or if we are convinced of our own brilliance, we sideline God, when we should be placing him at the heart of all that we do.

This is a difficult message for us all, especially in rich, western societies. Reflect today on whether you are a modest, humble, poor person, who places God at the heart of everything you do. Or are you someone who prides themselves on their own self-importance, and all the great stuff that your home is filled with?

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Luke 1:50

When I was at school, we had several teachers who had been there for years and years. Whenever I met a former pupil, they would always ask if those teachers they remembered were still there. In particular, there were two teachers who people would always enquire about – both of them Latin teachers. In their own way, they were both highly memorable. One, who was also the Second Master, had a ferocious temper, and was renowned for exploding in anger at the slightest thing. His way of maintaining discipline in the school was to ensure that everyone feared him. He gained his respect through the fear that we all felt. Since we feared and respected him, we would not break the school rules. Of course, by the time we got to our mid-teens, we no longer really feared the teacher in question. Consequently, he lost much of his respect in the eyes of the older pupils.

Fear and respect are closely related, including in today’s reading. When Mary, who is speaking here, talks about fear, she means more than simply being afraid of God. We respected our teacher because we feared him. Mary’s use of the word ‘fear’ implies this respect, and the humble obedience to God that will follow as a consequence of this fear and respect. Whilst our respect for our Latin teacher declined as we ceased to fear him, our ‘fear’ for the Lord God is limitless. We began to realise that our Latin teacher’s anger was all an act as we grew older. In contrast, our fear of God will only increase as we realise the limitless potential he has. He is, after all, the creator of the universe!

Luckily for us, though, fear of the Lord is rewarded. Mary, who had previously been stating how she had been greatly blessed by God, now turns the spotlight off her, and onto us. She understands that God’s mercy, as demonstrated by the birth of her son, extends to all those who humbly obey him, as she has done. ‘From generation to generation’ indicates that God’s mercy does not simply extend to those who knew Jesus personally, but to all who have subsequently lived their lives according to his teachings, through the centuries.

Mary clearly grasped the great importance of Gabriel’s message, and the baby that she would bring into the world. At Christmas, the question is, do we? Do we fear the Lord? Do we humbly obey him, as Mary did? Or do we reject him through our words and deeds? The promise here is amazing. It’s certainly worth reflecting on.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

Luke 1:46-49

Although I will admit to liking the music of Leona Lewis, I can’t stand the X Factor. More than that, though, I cannot stand Big Brother. At least some of the people in X Factor have talent, even if the show itself is little more than a slick marketing operation for Simon Cowell and his products. The talent of people in Big Brother seems difficult to discern. It is, in my view, indicative of a society in which we worship celebrities – simply because they are celebrities, not because they have done anything of great note. Young people want to be famous – but famous for nothing, other than being famous. It seems a strange thing to aspire to to me!

Once again, in today’s reading we see the humility of the virgin Mary coming to the fore. But wait – is she having a Big Brother moment? She says that “from now on all generations will call me blessed!” Is she aspiring to fame? No, not at all. She realises that fame has come to her, but this fame is not because of anything that Mary has, or has not done. Mary’s fame comes about because God has done great things for her. Immediately after exclaiming this, she says not, “aren’t I fabulous!” but “holy is his name.” Mary understands that her good fortune has been brought about not because of who she is, but because of what God has done for her. It is for this reason that Mary exclaims, “my soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” She is quick to give all the credit for her special position in society to God. Mary cannot stop herself singing out in praise to God for the way that he has blessed her. She doesn’t just praise God with her words, but with every fibre of her being. Her soul and her spirit unite in praising the Lord!

Sometimes we can be tempted to think how marvellous we are, and how lucky the world is to have us. But just remember – it is God that has made us who we are. It is God that has blessed us. It is God who has given us our talents and skills. And it is God that controls our lives. Rather than taking the credit for our sheer brilliance, maybe we, like Mary, should turn our praise around, and give thanks to God. Perhaps, like Mary, we should thank God with every fibre of our being for blessing us so richly.

Header image courtesy of Rob Corder on Flickr, made available under the terms of this licence.

The Lord’s Servant

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:38

After I left school, I went to work for Marks and Spencer for two years. I began as a temporary seasonal sales assistant working in menswear, but managed to join the management training programme, whereupon I reached the dizzy heights of ladieswear manager. Although it was not always a happy time for me, having moved hundreds of miles away from my family and friends, I genuinely felt that God wanted me to be there. Consequently, when I was made redundant, I found myself raging against God. Why had he taken me so far away from home? Why had he ensured that my time at Marks and Spencer was so brief? Having always trusted that God had a plan for my life, and that I had been following that plan, I could not understand what was going on. It took me some time to realise that this might, in fact, have been God’s plan all along. What if he had in mind for me to fulfil a specific purpose in that particular workplace? What if he had wanted me to have those experiences to grow in a particular way?

Sometimes, it can be hard to trust that God is in control. Sometimes it can be hard to accept that God has a plan for us. When all around us is changing, and we find ourselves living in a fast-moving world, it can be hard to trust that God knows what he is doing. Would we not be better off relying on our own judgement?

For Mary, though, this does not seem to have been an issue. She placed he faith completely in God, and wanted to adhere to his will for her life. Even in the extraordinary circumstances which Mary found herself in, she wants nothing more than for God’s will to unfold in her life. And let’s not forget, these were pretty extraordinary circumstances! The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary and told her that, despite being a virgin, she is going to have a child. Not just any child. Mary is to give birth to the son of God! She doesn’t look around to see which of her friends is playing a prank on her. She doesn’t tell Joseph to stop being so silly, and take the halo off. She simply takes the angel at his word, and says to him, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be as you have said.”

Perhaps we too should strive to be more like Mary. Maybe we should simply humble ourselves before God, tell him that we are his servants, and that we want God’s will to work in our lives. This Christmas, why not ponder on that. Why not try praying, “I am the Lord’s servant” each day, and see what God has in store for you?

Header image  © Copyright Paul Gillett and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Nothing is impossible with God

For nothing is impossible with God.

Luke 1:37

Growing up, one of my greatest ambitions was to study at Cambridge University. Unfortunately, I was ill for most of my first year in Sixth Form, so didn’t get the grades. Instead, I found myself studying at the University of Essex. During my final year, I decided to train to be a teacher upon graduation. I decided I would apply to undertake my training at Cambridge University. Seemingly against all the odds, I was given one of the last places on the course, against some pretty tough competition. Not for the first time, I was convinced that God had opened doors for me that I genuinely believed were closed.

In the grand scheme of things, me being accepted to study at Cambridge is hardly earth shattering, particularly not in the context of today’s verse. The Angel Gabriel remarks to Mary that nothing – that’s nothing – is impossible with God. In our recent Mark Marathon series, we saw Jesus doing some pretty remarkable things – calming the storm, healing the sick, feeding the five thousand – all of which seem pretty remarkable to us. But, if he is indeed God, then these are small fry for him, since there is nothing that he cannot do.

We see this particularly in our current reading from Luke. Gabriel has just told Mary that she is to have a child, but she asks how this can be, since she is a virgin. Gabriel tells her that the Holy Spirit will overshadow her, and she will conceive a baby. Not just any baby, though. This baby will be the Son of God!

It seems today that the virgin birth is one of the most commonly questioned aspects of our faith. Yet if we truly believe that today’s verse is true – that nothing is impossible with God – I see no reason at all why Mary could not have given birth, despite being a virgin.

Try and remember this verse today. As you go about your daily life, just remember that nothing is impossible with God. With him on your side, you can accomplish anything.

The Son of the Most High

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Luke 1:31-33

About three years ago, I travelled down to Sussex for a job interview. I was applying to be Head of History at a Catholic boarding school. I was quite surprised to have got an interview, because I was still quite young to be Head of Department in a top school, and had only been teaching a few years. During the day of the interview, I became convinced that I would not get the job. All the other interviewees were older than me, and had a great deal more experience. I was consequently very surprised when the Head Master telephoned me that evening to offer me the job. I think I even asked him if he was joking!

My shock at being offered a job must pale into total insignificance compared to what Mary was told by the angel Gabriel. Yesterday we saw how Mary was “greatly troubled” at the sight of Gabriel appearing to her. Imagine her shock when this teenage virgin was told that she would give birth to a son! The shock did not stop there, however! She was told that Jesus, her son, would be the Son of the Most High – the name Most High commonly being applied to God! Her son would inherit the throne of King David, and would rule a kingdom that would never end! If she was shocked by the appearance of the angel, how much more shocked would she be by this!

This, though, is exactly what came to pass. Mary did indeed give birth to the Son of the Most High – Jesus. And God did call Jesus to rule over a kingdom that will never end – a kingdom that continues to this day, and will, by its very definition, continue forever.

Since this kingdom is still present today, and we all live within it, there are important questions that need to be asked. Jesus is our heavenly King. Do we regard him as such? Do we recognise his authority in our lives? Do we defer to him in all that we do? Do we serve him as loyal subjects, or do we ignore his sovereignty?

This Christmas, spend some time pondering over just who Jesus is, and reflect on whether you are a loyal servant of the king, who will be rewarded, or a disloyal servant, who ignores the king’s authority, and risks being cast out of the kingdom.