"Remember His marvelous works which He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:12
When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, there was a sense of wonder that came with it. I know that is hard to imagine, especially when told you have gone from healthy mother of two to stage 4 incurable cancer. The wonder came from knowing that God can use anything for His glory. I was assured by Him, from the very start, that He could use this cancer in a powerful way, but I had to die to self and live for Him.
For some people it is hard to imagine that a young Jewish girl would risk shame, alienation, and maybe her life, to say yes to God and carry His son. Not that she did not have sleepless nights over this scenario she was put into, but she was chosen by God for a purpose and she agreed to be His servant. As I read the amazing story of Christ Jesus' birth, I feel the wonder of the moment in the depths of my soul. Mary must have had numerous moments when she stopped and marveled at what was happening, and that she was chosen by God for this most important task.
"I am the Lord's servant; may it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38
These are the documented words that came from Mary's lips as she was told be an angel what would come about. She agreed to this impossible task, trusting that nothing is impossible for God. How many of us can say that in a life-changing, heart-wrenching, drop on your knees, scared out of your wits moment, you would say those words to God and put your trust in Him. It is not an easy choice. Yet, when you know God, and His character, it is the only choice that will bring you peace and purpose.
In the days and month after my diagnosis, I experienced incredible peace and wonder. Things were happening that I could tell were put into place long before cancer invaded my body. There was a boldness that came about that allowed me to talk about my deep love for Jesus in a way I never could do before. If I were to list all the instances when I sat back in wonder, I would be writing for days.
Some of the wonders of this year alone are going on a mission trip to Chinle, Arizona though I was in pain due to cellulitis and shingles. There was the wonder of letters written and confirmation that my time as Chairperson at GWBS was used by God, though I was in constant physical pain. God did not make my life easy because I said, "may it be according to your will," but He gave me the vision to see that my suffering has always been about His purpose, not my own.
As I listen to those beautiful songs about the night Jesus was born, I have a deep stirring inside my soul knowing that God came down for me, to be like me, so He could live in me. What a gift!! The ultimate gift of love came in the form of a baby, in the line of David, with young parents who were in awe and had said yes to God in a life changing moment for them. One of my favorite hymns is O Holy Night.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and ever pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Nobody could have ever imagined the events that would come from that Holy night. The shepherds rejoiced, but did not fully understand. Mary and Joseph marveled, but could not foresee the future. The kings came to worship him, but could not grasp the power of this newborn King. Nobody in this wondrous moment could possibly know that baby Jesus was born to die for our sins.
Here we are, over 2,000 years later, singing songs about that night, retelling the story to our children, and being asked ourselves to trust and follow though we don't know what the future holds. I can only attest from personal experience, that there is unspeakable wonder when you take that leap of faith and say the words, like Mary, "May it be to me according to your word."
It is my hope that the biggest present under the tree this year is the knowledge that God sent His Son, Jesus, for you, and God is ready to give you purpose, peace, and many moments of wonder. Unwrap the gift and use it, it is not meant to be put in a corner and forgotten!
Merry Christmas,
Sandy
