Mary had to wonder what she had gotten into.  Until the angel showed up, her future had been comfortably settled; betrothed to Joseph, she risked everything by saying "Yes" to the angel who invited her to bear not just a child, but this child.  Neighbors avoided eye contact.  Joseph, mercifully, had stayed - but the birth to come?  She might lose her life; she had seen other women die in childbirth.

   The angel comforted her:  "Do not fear" (Luke 1:30).  Talk about big assignments!  What was asked of Mary was unique, unprecedented, unfathomable:  to be the intersection between earth and heaven, to let God take on flesh inside her, to care for this most precious of all children.  And yet, isn't the same asked of me? and you? to live at the intersection between earth and heaven? to let God take up residence in you? to help children? and it will cost you everything?  An angel is whispering; can you get quiet enough long enough to hear?  How will you answer?

   Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me I pray.  Bless all the dear children in thy tender care; and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. 

James

james@mpumc.org

The complete eAdventWithMatthew series can be found on our web site.