Maker of the Moon

I'm not sure why, but this Christmas more than ever I've been thinking about Mary.

Maybe because I'm "with child" and for the first time in my life have really had my mind on childbirth, the miracle of conception and just the joy a newborn will bring to our home.

I just can't help but wonder how she really felt. Her fears, doubts and even the thoughts of anticipation of her child's arrival.

Today's sermon was on Mary's story and I thought our pastor did such a great job.

He talked about her graceful willingness to be God's servant for such a task.

Even her excitement and praise of all God was going to do for His people through this miracle.

It made me wonder why I'm so hesitant to praise God for all the paths He puts me on. Especially when they are challenging and could lead to some sort of distress for me.

And here is young Mary who is now with child before being married and I'm sure has fears about what will happen to her marriage, baby or even her own well-being.

Yet she praises God!

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55 ESV)

I'm praying that God would help me have more of Mary's heart. Another reason I've thought so much about her part of this glorious story is due to one of my favorite holiday albums.

Read the lyrics below to "Labor of Love" by Andrew Peterson and Jill Phillips. There is a link to a video so you can hear how awesome the song is to. My favorite line is...

"But the baby in her womb

He was the maker of the moon

He was the Author of the faith

That could make the mountains move"

Gorgeous!

Anyways, hope you enjoy it as much as me.

And check out the rest of the album,

Behold the Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson

It was not a silent night
There was blood on the ground
You could hear a woman cry
In the alleyways that night
On the streets of David's town

And the stable was not clean
And the cobblestones were cold
And little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
Had no mother's hand to hold

It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love

Noble Joseph at her side
Callused hands and weary eyes
There were no midwives to be found
In the streets of David's town
In the middle of the night

So he held her and he prayed
Shafts of moonlight on his face
But the baby in her womb
He was the maker of the moon
He was the Author of the faith
That could make the mountains move

It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love
For little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
It was a labor of love

Here is the song/video!