I’ve never been fond of the day after Christmas. Growing up, it always felt so depressing! No more holiday music or movies, no more Christmas parties, no more shopping for gifts and certainly no more opening them.

But now, at 22 years of age, it’s quite different. Because now, I am able to look beyond the commercialism of Christmas {even though it’s often fun} and remember that my Savior is at the center of it all. And the lessons we learn from His birth don’t fade away with the red and green decorations on December 26.

I felt inspired to write this post when, after a fun day of Christmas festivities, my family and I sat down last night to watch a movie I have seen at least a half dozen times: The Nativity Story. But this viewing of the movie was different than all the others. This time, I felt a challenge to live with true faith like Mary.

As I watched the movie, I began to ask myself all kinds of questions. I mean, could you imagine what it must have been like to be unmarried and pregnant with the Son of God in a society where the punishment for adultery is execution? Can you picture how scary it would have been to know that so many of your neighbors didn’t believe in your innocence? And can you even wrap your mind around the Holy Spirit placing a child within your womb?

I have to be honest…I would have been a little more freaked out than the seemingly calm, cool and collected Mary. Do you know what she said in response to the angel who appeared to hear? It’s amazing. She said:

“Let it be to me according to your Word.” {Luke 1:38}

I’m in awe at the strength of Mary’s faith in God. She had so much confidence in what the angel of the Lord told her. And this makes me think, do I really believe God’s Word and what it says about me? Do I really trust God that He has a plan and a purpose, even when my circumstances seem impossible?

Today I feel challenged to live more like Mary. To hide God’s Word in my heart. To be ready for His second coming, just as Mary was ready for His first. And not just on this day after Christmas, but every day.

Jen

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