by Sharon W. Betters

TODAY’S TREASURE

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).

Matthew 1:23 ESV

Dear Friends,

Soon we will start putting away the Christmas decorations, sweeping up pine needles, maybe throwing out leftover sweets, determined to keep our New Year’s resolution to avoid sugar. Before we do, let’s take some time to sit at the feet of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary, perhaps the best known of the “midwives of the Messiah” speaks to us from the vantage point of old age. Events that mystified her now make sense. Her youthful love and total trust in her God has deepened. When I think of Mary as an old woman, I think of someone like Elisabeth Elliot, a no nonsense faithful servant of God who poured out her life teaching others to walk by faith, to trust God no matter how difficult the way, because He is good and perfectly faithful.

As you read Luke 1 and 2, remember Mary herself is Luke’s source for his information. What a perfect way to arrive at the manger during Christmas. Find a quiet spot and listen to Mary’s own words, recorded by Luke, a priceless gift for us this Christmas.

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Luke 1:46b - 55

Treasured by Him,

Sharon

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Refresh your memory of her story with these options:

Read Luke 1-2

Read Chapter 5 Harlots and Heroines, The Midwives of the Messiah

As always, you can dig into Mary’s story as much or as little as your life allows. Allow Mary to take her place as an older woman passing on to you some of her wisdom and love for her Savior. Her story will encourage you to soak in the promise of God’s presence as we journey these last few days into Christmas

Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness and co-author of Treasures of Faith. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.