As we are now immersed in the Christmas season, we all begin to talk about one story mainly. The story of the birth of Christ. A moment that changed our lives. A story we all know so well. But what has been on my mind lately, is the story of Mary, Jesus’s mother. It’s so easy to see and admire her faith and her obedience. When the angel tells her that she will become the mother of an important child, she responds with, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38)

That is such a beautiful and honest response. I feel like we see this response and think ‘Well of course she would respond like this, she’s going to give birth to Jesus!!’  We know that they won’t find a room to stay in. We know she will give birth in a stable. We know of all of the things that Jesus will do. But Mary didn’t know. Yet she has a strong, blind faith.

We know the end of the story. She didn’t.

So, what if she said no?

For her being pregnant meant she would be shamed by society for being with child before being married. This could result in her death, as this was against the law. Not only that, but Joseph as well would be hurt though this.

So, what if she said no?  What if she ignored the angel and pretended it didn’t happen? What if she disobeyed God and somehow did not choose to receive the gift of being the mother of Christ?

I believe she could have easily said no, ignored the angel, and kept on living her life with Joseph, and Jesus would never have been born.

Think about the repercussions.

Jesus would never be born. His miracles would never have happened. He never would walk on water. He never would save the lives of thousands. He never would die. He never would save our lives too. I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I wouldn’t have the smile I have today, or the motivation, or the success, or the joy. I wouldn’t have the friends I have.

All if Mary said no.

Now, if she had said no, God might have found someone else to give birth to Jesus to fulfill the prophecies and save us, but that’s not the point I’m trying to get to here.

He had asked Mary. And Mary said yes.

Luke 1:46-66 shows Mary’s response. Read those verses and see of the joyous praise Mary writes. That song is not of fear and of hesitation, but of praise and thanksgiving and knowledge of the glory and power of God. It’s a testament of Mary’s blind faith. She didn’t know what God had for her, yet she praised the opportunity to be chosen by God to do His work. No excuses. No doubt. But trust. Faith.

The song “Mary Did you Know” is one of my favourite songs during this season, (Watch one of my favourite versions here Mary Did you Know? -PTX) That song simply asks if Mary had any idea what would come of her son and of her obedience. But no. She didn’t.

In the same way, we don’t know what God has for us in our lives.

Every time we respond to a situation, we are affecting our futures.

To be extreme about it, what if you’ve been faced with an opportunity that is as important and life changing as the birth of Jesus, but you said no. That’s it. No chance, but your response, your one word reply, stopped an event as significant as the birth of the son of God, the creator of the universe and ruler of the world. Your response stopped millions of people’s’ lives being saved. Now, I may only speak for myself, but I don’t want to miss an opportunity like that!

So when faced with opportunities, are you responding through your fear, or your faith? Uncertainty, or trust? Doubt or trust? For if we turn away opportunities because we might be hurt, we are becoming a slave to the world. When we follow what God asks, we might be shamed by the world. But that’s because if you’re following God, you’re spreading His kingdom and His kingdom is not of this world! Mary would be shamed by her society, yet she had favour from God.

When you are given opportunities that may scare you, hold tight in your faith and keep going. Hold up your cross and press on. Find strength in the Lord and remember his promise to do great and wonderful things. Do not fear what is to come, fear what would be if you said no.

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