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The firsts of becoming a widow were so difficult for me. The first Christmas without my husband, as I opened the boxes with the decorations that usually donned the tree, I was brought to tears. I did not see how I could celebrate Christmas in the midst of all the pain and sadness. I needed hope. Hope that I could survive Christmas, and hope that in my heart, I could celebrate Christmas again.

I opened God’s word and began to read the Christmas story. I began in Luke just as the angel sent from God came to Mary. For the first time I read this story from the perspective of Mary. I asked the Lord to give me understanding of her heart and what her life looked like as God revealed His plans for her.

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.“
Luke 1:30-32 (ESV)

The angel gave her much to think about. As I put myself in her shoes my eyes saw the reality she was facing. I recognized that the culture in which she lived was based on honor and shame. Her society would stone women for a pregnancy out of wedlock. Certainly it would be difficult for anyone near her to believe her story of an angel appearing. Since she was betrothed to Joseph, I cannot imagine the emotions and struggle she was facing. I am certain she was filled with many questions. However, as I read further in the verses, I could see that she found hope as she focused on the words the angel spoke to her.

“How will this be since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.“
Luke 1:35-37 (ESV)

Although I was overwhelmed and confused by the emotions I was facing, I noticed in these verses the words that nothing is impossible with God. To survive that Christmas, I needed to acknowledge and remember that verse. I realized that I can always rely on the Lord. Memorizing God’s truth in that moment provided the hope I needed. As I read further I saw more than just the word of God, but also the importance of saying yes to His plans. The Lord not only could bring about the birth of a child to Elizabeth who had been barren, but would provide a Savior through a virgin. Just as the Lord provided Mary a calling to become the mother of Jesus, the Lord also helped her accept and embrace His plans for her life. These verses give us her response.

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38 (ESV)

I would think that this response of obedience to God would have been one of the most difficult. Mary had to lean in and say yes to God with a heart that was initially fearful and anxious. The Christmas story reminded me of the importance of saying yes to God. His plan for me was not what I expected. There were two questions that came to mind.

What is my gaze fixed upon?
What has my focus been?

When things fall apart before my eyes, what a comfort it is to run to the Maker of the world. I realized that I needed to embrace and connect the truth of His word with my own life. When I evaluated my heart and searched for direction, I prayed to see more than my situation. My gaze had been fixed upon my struggle, and to celebrate Christmas, I needed to focus on others the Lord places around me. To better accomplish that, I had to gaze on the Lord and find His peace, and plans for me.

There is abiding comfort in knowing that the Lord is my keeper and will give me hope in the midst of loss. There are times we are called to walk through difficulty. I needed to remember that where I lack, the Lord sees, and I am never alone. Each day I want to say yes to God with hope and confidence.

Lord,

Help us to recognize the importance of saying “yes” to Your plans. Thank for providing eternal life. Help us to accept and embrace the current adventures and plans You have for us. Thank for you for providing living Hope. Help us to celebrate Christmas with You as our focus. Give us a heart that seeks Your will and Your word.

In Jesus Name, Amen