It’s that time of year when property taxes are due and I’ve heard many people voice their opinions and complaints at the increase in taxes and their frustration at the timing with the holidays just around the corner. I believe that Mary and Joseph could relate. They were required to travel to their home town of Bethlehem to register and be taxed. Mary was full term in her pregnancy and that only added to the stress and discomfort. We might see this as civil obedience to the governing power, but in truth it was a divine intervention. Rome felt that they were the rulers of the civilized world, but God…

After meeting with Elizabeth, Mary spoke the words that are now known as the Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise. It begins with, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Have you ever felt that way? Bursting with praise for what God has done and is going to do in your life? It’s those moments that you’re saying, “Thank you Lord! Thank you, Thank you, thank you!” Every day that we wake up is another opportunity to see His goodness and find a reason to give Him praise. Mary’s song mentions God’s mercy, His provision, His help and mighty deeds that He has performed. Have…

Gender reveals and birth notifications have taken on a whole new meaning in the last few years. Expectant parents plan unique and exciting ways to tell their friends and family about the upcoming birth of their children. But I think that Mary and Elizabeth probable had some of the most supernatural announcements one could imagine. Both women had gender reveals given by an angel. While the angel Gabriel was speaking with Mary, he informed her that her relative, Elizabeth, was also expecting and that she was already 6 months along. Just think about that for a moment, the revelation of the child was given to her husband Zechariah months before…

Many of the people God used to accomplish great things started out as real doubters. With all of them, God showed great patience. Abraham and Sarah doubted when they were told they would be parents in their old age. Moses doubted his abilities to return and lead Israel from slavery. The Israelites doubted when they faced difficulties in the wilderness. But Mary’s response to God’s miraculous will was met with gracious submission. She believed the angel’s words and agreed to bear the child, even under humanly impossible circumstances. Doubt can easily set in when we grow impatient waiting for the promises and will of God in our lives and the…

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8 Mary’s response to the call of God on her life was one that God waits to hear from every believer, and it comes from a heart that is willing and available to go and do whatever God has planned and purposed. The call on your life might be frightening and filled with unknowns. You may question whether you are capable or if it’s even possible, but with God all things are possible. If God calls you, He has already equipped you. Mary was…

As I began reading the the introduction to the book of Matthew in my bible, I had to re-read one section which said, “Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Once a despised tax collector, Matthew’s life had been changed by this man from Galilee.” I believe that the same could be said of every believer, our lives have been forever changed because of Jesus. To say that Mary’s life was changed by Jesus is quite an understatement. From the moment that the angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her that she was to be the mother of the Son of God her life was forever changed. She would see…

As we begin our study of Mary, the mother of Jesus, I believe that we can relate to her humble beginnings. She was a young girl who dreamed about her future with her soon to be husband, Joseph. Living in Nazareth, her families heritage and obedience to the law were treasured truths as the entire village awaited the coming messiah. Her days were filled with the necessary tasks to serve the family and community. In this small village, everyone knew each other which was both a blessing and a curse. How many times as young girls did we daydream about what the future might hold for us? Perhaps a wedding,…

For the month of December we will discover some the many lessons that can be learned from studying the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Overview – A Mother’s Love Mary of Nazareth had the unique privilege of being mother to the very Son of God. Yet most of the pains and pleasures Mary experienced in motherhood can be understood by mothers everywhere.  Mary was the only human present at Jesus’ birth who also witnessed His death.  She saw Him arrive as her baby son, and she watched Him die as her Savior. When the angel told her that her baby would be God’s son, her reply was, “I…

It can be difficult to maintain faith during hard times. It’s certainly tough to trust in the good when every single thing in your life seems to be unnecessarily challenging or just plain awful. But these bad times are when faith is most important. It can be a life raft in a storm. And faith can always be restored if we are willing to seek it out. The bible is a great place to fill our faith reserves. There’s a reason they call it the “Good Book”—it’s great for getting us out of our bad spots and into better frames of mind. Take hold of God’s word and be encouraged.…