Today it’s my turn to post. I hope you’ve read with interest the blogs of my friends over the past week as I did. And of course, we are all immersed in the Christmas season. A truly blessed time of the year.

And in the midst of all this, the birthdays of both my children occur. And both of them were over 9 lbs. at birth. Fortunately, I’m not a petite little woman. And evidently I have a very roomy womb. I was blessed with easy deliveries.

Anyway, both of the Decembers that I was expecting, the phrase “Mary was great with child” took on new, VIVID meaning to me. Believe me, a 9+lb baby qualifies as “great with child.”

On a serious note, what always strikes me is Mary’s wonderful expression of humility. When Gabriel gives her the news of God’s plan for her life, her response is “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

How lovely, how beautiful was her acceptance of God’s plan for her life. What a weight to carry, to be the mother of the Messiah.

In my own life, I’ve found that responding to any situation with humility is a win-win for me. Pride always brings embarassment and trouble. In this hectic season, it’s wise to remember Mary’s humble attitude. Often families who have hurting members come together and the prickly emotions of past hurt and jealousy can spark disagreements.

So remember, Mary’s example of humility and call on the help of the Holy Spirit to keep this sacred holiday filled with love and joy. It’s takes two to make a fight and a soft word turneth away wrath.

Don’t let the past destroy your present joy in celebrating Christ’s birth.

Make your Christmas Merry!