Christmas arrives in fourteen days! Today my mind is drifting back to the story of Jesus’ birth. And my thoughts are on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

In Luke 1 we read: “The angel answered Mary, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'” Mary’s response? “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be as you have said.”

There’s something about Mary. When I study her life… three things jump out at me:

Mary’s Awareness

God drops a shocker on her and she responds… “OK Lord, I’m in!” Ladies, put yourself in her shoes for a minute. Would you be confused? Frightened? For Mary… what impact would this have on her fiance Joseph? How would she explain her pregnancy to him? What would this do to her reputation in Nazareth? Somehow Mary, in the middle of fear and confusion, became aware that God was orchestrating this disruptive event. And she tells the angel, “May it be to me as you have said.”

Mary’s Assurance

In John 2:5 – at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry – Mary said these words about her son: “Do whatever He tells you.” 30 years after the miraculous encounter with the angel… Mary still had complete confidence that no matter the challenge… the solution to that challenge was to do whatever He tells us to do!

Mary’s Appetite

Several weeks after Jesus ascension into heaven, we read in Acts 1:14 – “They (the apostles) all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus…” Mary joined this group to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. She could have argued “You know… I’ve already had an incredible experience with the Holy Spirit 30+ years ago. Why do I need another one?” Instead we see hunger for what God was about to pour out. Mary teaches us to never stop cultivating an appetite for God.

There’s something about Mary. The more you consider her… the more impressive she is. As Christmas approaches… let her awareness… her assurance… and her appetite… inspire you!