Day 2

Luke 2:33-35

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Question time---

1. The fact that Mary not only spontaneously became pregnant, but that she was carrying Jesus is absolutely insane to me. Mary, a completely normal person with faults and who's made mistake brought the Saviour into the world. Mary was just as normal as I am... so basically Mary bringing Jesus into the world is pretty much the equivalent of me bringing Jesus into the world. CRAZY RIGHT?! And then, not only does she have this baby, she has to take care of it and nurture it, and all that stuff. And, she had to deal with the persecution that all that entails. And, then she had to watch her own son willingly die for the world, and herself. I know there are a lot of Godly women in the Bible, women that have gone through multiple trials and over come them by asking God for help... but I don't really think any went through the same type of things as Mary. She is truly a woman following God's plan for her, even when it isn't all that conventional (i.e. her becoming pregnant with Jesus).

2. I never really realized before how much stress Jesus caused or brought upon his family. He did what he had to do, but it was still hard for his family. On the other hand it is interesting to see how God is able to keep Mary strong even when 'a sword pierces through her heart'. God is good all the time, even when we think whatever we are going through is terrible or completely unnecessary.

3. Ummm, maybe I'll get back to this one? I can't really think of anything about how this one can relate to my life. Maybe just that there will be hard things in your life, and you just have to accept it and try to overcome it with God's help.

4. Act with more compassion towards people, and pray for a heart and attitude more like Mary's.

Until tomorrow... hopefully it'll stay consistent.

-A