TRADITIONS! Tradition!
Many families have certain traditions that have been handed down for generations. For
Jim and my first Christmas together, I found a small stable. The figures of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the baby Jesus were glued to the floor of the rustic small shell of a stable. I loved it! It became our tradition to set it under our tree all through the years until we retired and moved closer to my Son and his family. I knew for sometime that this tradition was not the tradition of the rest of my family. I didn’t care! I would put it out anyway, because we always had!
The first couple of years in our new home, I couldn’t find the stable! Into the second or third year, I found it! However, Jim had already replaced my stable with a much larger one that we could use with our nativity figures we had painted . It was very nice but it was a tradition to use the small stable! Sometimes, mothers are not to have feelings! We are always suppose to make others happy! Regardless of how I felt, I had to admit that the larger stable with the nativity figures was far more impressive. And now, it is our new tradition! But I still have the old stable!
Another of our traditions began when Jennifer was about 9 years old!. I helped her to bake a ‘birthday cake for Jesus’! On Christmas day as each family would come to visit and see what the kids got under the tree, Jennifer would light the candles. We would all sing Happy Birthday Jesus, blow out the candles and eat some cake. Today, Jennifer bakes a ‘birthday cake for Jesus’ and when we host our Christmas Eve party we begin with the reading of the story of the birth of Jesus. We then sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candles of the cake! Some traditions can run the test of time where others can easily be done away with.
Another tradition that I grew up with and our small family carries on, is opening our gifts Christmas morning. Jim’s family opened gifts Christmas Eve! I suppose it doesn’t matter when the gifts are opened but there is something about getting up in the early hours and seeing all those large and small packages of multi colored paper and ribbons, that catches your breath.
I pray that your Christmas celebration was full of joy and wonder! Man kind needs the warmth and loving kindness of Christmas at home with family. Always remember those who will not be at home to feel the warmth and loving kindness. Today, I am thinking about those who are serving our country here at home and abroad. Let us remember those who are alone, because, in Christ we are never alone; even during the Christmas season! Jane Ann
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
PROTESTANTS IGNORED CHRISTMAS
When I have a familiar topic to discuss, I like to do a little research. I discovered that in
the early America’s Christmas did not come over on the Mayflower. As a matter of fact the protestant churches didn’t even begin to celebrate Christmas until in the 1800's. When they decided they wanted to join the festivities, they went to find out what the Catholic’s did. As they began to create their own celebration, traditions became apparent because of the different ethnic groups that were there. The tree came from Germany; Santa Claus from the Netherlands; eggnog from Jamestown; Poinsettias from Mexico; Christmas cards from England; Caroling began in England; stockings were taken from legends of St Nicolas in England and America; Noel is a word for Christmas in French; Mistletoe had magical powers according to the Celtic. England found better uses for it by hanging it over the one you wanted to kiss. Central America, through Frances of Assisi, would have a manger scene.
The story goes that most churches didn’t celebrate December 25th because those who did were obnoxious and were looked upon with contempt. They were pagans! However, the Catholic Church with their stately and traditional values were able to celebrate Christ’s birth. The protestant churches began to celebrate Christ’s birth in their new traditional ways and found that bringing in all the ‘old’ countries traditions, set them apart. Interestingly enough, Christmas didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870! Today, the Christian is compromised in keeping Christ in Christmas!
We had an elderly lady in our church who’s name was Elizabeth. She was born in the late 1800's! When she was a child, Christmas was a one day affair. The buckboard would be prepared for a days journey and everyone in the community, which was spread out for miles because you had no near neighbor, were headed for the local church. It was a gala affair! As the neighbors arrived they were all greeted with joy and anticipation. There was a large live community Christmas tree, all decorated with pine cones and goodies. As each family arrived they would put a present for each of their children under the tree. By the time everyone was there, the tree looked like a wonderland of color.
Food was set out on long tables and the festivities would begin. Soon after they would all gather around the tree with candles in their hands. Each family would take turns placing their lit candles on the tree and it would glow in the darkness as they sang the carols of their time. Just before it was time to head back home, the gifts were handed out. On the way home, Elizabeth said that all the kids would snuggle down under the blankets with their one and only gift clutched tightly in their hands with visions of that beautifully lit Christmas tree still in their heads.
Can you imagine Christmas for one day? Can you imagine lit candles on your Christmas tree? Can you imagine a time without celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus? I can’t and I don’t want to! Christmas is Jesus! Jane Ann
When I have a familiar topic to discuss, I like to do a little research. I discovered that in
the early America’s Christmas did not come over on the Mayflower. As a matter of fact the protestant churches didn’t even begin to celebrate Christmas until in the 1800's. When they decided they wanted to join the festivities, they went to find out what the Catholic’s did. As they began to create their own celebration, traditions became apparent because of the different ethnic groups that were there. The tree came from Germany; Santa Claus from the Netherlands; eggnog from Jamestown; Poinsettias from Mexico; Christmas cards from England; Caroling began in England; stockings were taken from legends of St Nicolas in England and America; Noel is a word for Christmas in French; Mistletoe had magical powers according to the Celtic. England found better uses for it by hanging it over the one you wanted to kiss. Central America, through Frances of Assisi, would have a manger scene.
The story goes that most churches didn’t celebrate December 25th because those who did were obnoxious and were looked upon with contempt. They were pagans! However, the Catholic Church with their stately and traditional values were able to celebrate Christ’s birth. The protestant churches began to celebrate Christ’s birth in their new traditional ways and found that bringing in all the ‘old’ countries traditions, set them apart. Interestingly enough, Christmas didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870! Today, the Christian is compromised in keeping Christ in Christmas!
We had an elderly lady in our church who’s name was Elizabeth. She was born in the late 1800's! When she was a child, Christmas was a one day affair. The buckboard would be prepared for a days journey and everyone in the community, which was spread out for miles because you had no near neighbor, were headed for the local church. It was a gala affair! As the neighbors arrived they were all greeted with joy and anticipation. There was a large live community Christmas tree, all decorated with pine cones and goodies. As each family arrived they would put a present for each of their children under the tree. By the time everyone was there, the tree looked like a wonderland of color.
Food was set out on long tables and the festivities would begin. Soon after they would all gather around the tree with candles in their hands. Each family would take turns placing their lit candles on the tree and it would glow in the darkness as they sang the carols of their time. Just before it was time to head back home, the gifts were handed out. On the way home, Elizabeth said that all the kids would snuggle down under the blankets with their one and only gift clutched tightly in their hands with visions of that beautifully lit Christmas tree still in their heads.
Can you imagine Christmas for one day? Can you imagine lit candles on your Christmas tree? Can you imagine a time without celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus? I can’t and I don’t want to! Christmas is Jesus! Jane Ann
Monday, December 29, 2008
CHRISTMAS IS! 12/29/08
I know that Christmas has passed but wanted to continue for a few days talking about Christmas and then end the week with some New Year's chatter.
Sort of like the ‘The Five Little Peppers and how they grew’, Jean and Lisle were there at the beginning! They were the ones that watched, as our family grew and grew. We lived in a small two story house on 4th Avenue, with Mom & Dad’s bedroom on the ground floor. Such a large family and yet we survived without the luxuries and great economy of today. You would have thought because of the perplexity of the times, holidays would have come and gone without our ever realizing it. Not so! Holidays were part of our growing up which has created in us a desire to continue with the traditions established by our Mother, regardless of the economy.
Jean and I were reminiscing about the Christmas tree. I only remember we had one! Jean remembers that we didn’t have one until Christmas morning and they always thought that Santa Claus brought it. Turns out that the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even one child. When all was quiet, Mom and Grandma would go to the tree lot where it was already closed for the season and trees were there for the taking. They would select a tree, bring it home and decorate it.
I remember Mom staying in her bedroom all hours of the night and into the early morning She would sew! She would pick up broken or unwanted toys and bring new life into them by repairing, painting, dressing and even redoing the faces on dolls. Come Christmas morning there was something for everyone! Christmas morning, at our house was no different than any other home except that the rise and fall of the economic thermometer did not dictate how our Christmas would be. Our circumstances financially, were always the same. Poor!
There is lot to be said for good times! When there is plenty to go around and most have jobs, life is good. You have enough left over to play the stock market and even put some aside in the 401K’s. There is lot to be said about the big homes and how easy it was to get one! No down payment necessary, until you find that the monthly payment is really out of reach and you become bogged down with the creditor’s pounding at your door. There is lot to be said when Christmas rolls around and you find that your pocket book is near empty and you can’t afford the electronic gadgets that are so much in demand and everyone either has one or wants one.
There is much to be said about the good ole days when the outdoors was the playroom and keeping up with the Jones was just a phrase most people laughed at. I have never tried to keep up with the Jones, the Johnson’s or even the Millers on the corner. I would rather take my whole family out to dinner and enjoy one another’s company than to think about having to get the house painted because our neighbor just painted theirs. I am not saying that we shouldn’t get the house painted but it is not my priority.
When Jesus was born, his parents weren’t concerned about the nursery and how they wanted to decorate it. Their concern was about the child that was coming into the world. The child that would prepare the way! The child that would calm the sea’s. Not just the torrential ones but the storms that sometimes rage inside us. The child that would bring us face to face with the heavenly Father and say; "When you have seen me, you have seen the Father"!
Christmas is so much more than tree’s, exchange of gifts or even a feast enjoyed with family and friends. Christmas is; The Christ Child, who brought us peace and promise; The young Child that at an early age said; "I must be about my Father’s business"; The young man, along with some friends, who found Himself at a wedding turning water into wine and said; "My time has not come"; but He did it anyway. A sacrificial Lamb who prayed; "Not my will but thine be done". Christmas is Jesus! No money required! By: Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/14/08
Sort of like the ‘The Five Little Peppers and how they grew’, Jean and Lisle were there at the beginning! They were the ones that watched, as our family grew and grew. We lived in a small two story house on 4th Avenue, with Mom & Dad’s bedroom on the ground floor. Such a large family and yet we survived without the luxuries and great economy of today. You would have thought because of the perplexity of the times, holidays would have come and gone without our ever realizing it. Not so! Holidays were part of our growing up which has created in us a desire to continue with the traditions established by our Mother, regardless of the economy.
Jean and I were reminiscing about the Christmas tree. I only remember we had one! Jean remembers that we didn’t have one until Christmas morning and they always thought that Santa Claus brought it. Turns out that the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even one child. When all was quiet, Mom and Grandma would go to the tree lot where it was already closed for the season and trees were there for the taking. They would select a tree, bring it home and decorate it.
I remember Mom staying in her bedroom all hours of the night and into the early morning She would sew! She would pick up broken or unwanted toys and bring new life into them by repairing, painting, dressing and even redoing the faces on dolls. Come Christmas morning there was something for everyone! Christmas morning, at our house was no different than any other home except that the rise and fall of the economic thermometer did not dictate how our Christmas would be. Our circumstances financially, were always the same. Poor!
There is lot to be said for good times! When there is plenty to go around and most have jobs, life is good. You have enough left over to play the stock market and even put some aside in the 401K’s. There is lot to be said about the big homes and how easy it was to get one! No down payment necessary, until you find that the monthly payment is really out of reach and you become bogged down with the creditor’s pounding at your door. There is lot to be said when Christmas rolls around and you find that your pocket book is near empty and you can’t afford the electronic gadgets that are so much in demand and everyone either has one or wants one.
There is much to be said about the good ole days when the outdoors was the playroom and keeping up with the Jones was just a phrase most people laughed at. I have never tried to keep up with the Jones, the Johnson’s or even the Millers on the corner. I would rather take my whole family out to dinner and enjoy one another’s company than to think about having to get the house painted because our neighbor just painted theirs. I am not saying that we shouldn’t get the house painted but it is not my priority.
When Jesus was born, his parents weren’t concerned about the nursery and how they wanted to decorate it. Their concern was about the child that was coming into the world. The child that would prepare the way! The child that would calm the sea’s. Not just the torrential ones but the storms that sometimes rage inside us. The child that would bring us face to face with the heavenly Father and say; "When you have seen me, you have seen the Father"!
Christmas is so much more than tree’s, exchange of gifts or even a feast enjoyed with family and friends. Christmas is; The Christ Child, who brought us peace and promise; The young Child that at an early age said; "I must be about my Father’s business"; The young man, along with some friends, who found Himself at a wedding turning water into wine and said; "My time has not come"; but He did it anyway. A sacrificial Lamb who prayed; "Not my will but thine be done". Christmas is Jesus! No money required! By: Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/14/08
Friday, December 26, 2008
BOXING DAY 12/26/08
Canada enjoys the day after Christmas as a legal holiday. December 26th is Boxing Day! The origin of this holiday is a little obscure. However, it is also known as the Feast of Steven! He was the first martyr mentioned in the scriptures. This day originated in England in the middle of the 19th century. It was a day for members of the middle class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing and/or money to trades people and servants. These gifts were expression of gratitude. These gifts were usually given in boxes, hence the name of the holiday; boxing day! Also related to boxing day is the tradition of churches giving gifts of money and/or food to the poor, the day after Christmas.
Today, Boxing Day is still a holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada and other Commonwealth nations. It is mostly a time for family and friends to gather for more food and fun. It includes outdoor sports like soccer, hunting and horse races. I believe the tradition of giving has been celebrated throughout the Christmas season with many organizations keeping the idea of Boxing Day alive by donating their time, energy and money to fill Food Banks and provide gifts for the poor. Not to mention, that it is one of the biggest shopping days of the year in Canada. I would imagine that most don’t even know that it originated as ‘Boxing Day’!
Jesus and His family experienced a sort of boxing day when the Angel came and told Joseph that they must go into Egypt. Like many who would leave their home and not want to be noticed, they moved out in the middle of the night. Their departure was quiet and their sojourn in Egypt was long. No one knows if they stayed any longer than one night in the stable but the scriptures indicate that they lived in Bethlehem for several years.
As glorious as His birth was and how wonderful Christmas is, how just as devastating were the times following His birth. Wicked King Herod, so jealous and a man of rage determined to destroy anyone who by mere mention could take away his kingdom, set out to kill the baby Jesus. By now Jesus could be a toddler! King Herod not knowing how old the child was, determined to kill all baby boys two years old and younger. How ugly a man was he!
Lots of discussion has been held about where the wise men found Jesus and His parents. Was it in Bethlehem at the stable or a house? Was it at a house in Egypt? I am inclined to think it was in Bethlehem because the star led them there. Because their gifts would have enabled them to move and live in Egypt, Bethlehem seems more likely. How precious those gifts must have been to such a couple in dire straights. Just imagine, Mary and Joseph experiencing the first Boxing Day! The first gifts of gratitude! Think about it! Having traveled well over 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Finding no room at the Inn. They stayed in a stable. Unable to return home until long after Mary had completed her days and then couldn't return for a long time.
All things come to pass as God allows! I am sure God did not dictate the killing of the baby boys because God would not have controlled the heart of Herod. However, God led the wise men to their destination in spite of Herod. The visit and their gifts were so important to sustain them! How gloriously and wondrously did God come to earth in the form of a man child! How magnificently and miraculously did the events unfold in the lives of two people that were chosen by God to be His parents on earth. Can you think of anything more awesome? Of course you can; His death, burial and resurrection? Hallelujah! Amen! Jane Ann
Today, Boxing Day is still a holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada and other Commonwealth nations. It is mostly a time for family and friends to gather for more food and fun. It includes outdoor sports like soccer, hunting and horse races. I believe the tradition of giving has been celebrated throughout the Christmas season with many organizations keeping the idea of Boxing Day alive by donating their time, energy and money to fill Food Banks and provide gifts for the poor. Not to mention, that it is one of the biggest shopping days of the year in Canada. I would imagine that most don’t even know that it originated as ‘Boxing Day’!
Jesus and His family experienced a sort of boxing day when the Angel came and told Joseph that they must go into Egypt. Like many who would leave their home and not want to be noticed, they moved out in the middle of the night. Their departure was quiet and their sojourn in Egypt was long. No one knows if they stayed any longer than one night in the stable but the scriptures indicate that they lived in Bethlehem for several years.
As glorious as His birth was and how wonderful Christmas is, how just as devastating were the times following His birth. Wicked King Herod, so jealous and a man of rage determined to destroy anyone who by mere mention could take away his kingdom, set out to kill the baby Jesus. By now Jesus could be a toddler! King Herod not knowing how old the child was, determined to kill all baby boys two years old and younger. How ugly a man was he!
Lots of discussion has been held about where the wise men found Jesus and His parents. Was it in Bethlehem at the stable or a house? Was it at a house in Egypt? I am inclined to think it was in Bethlehem because the star led them there. Because their gifts would have enabled them to move and live in Egypt, Bethlehem seems more likely. How precious those gifts must have been to such a couple in dire straights. Just imagine, Mary and Joseph experiencing the first Boxing Day! The first gifts of gratitude! Think about it! Having traveled well over 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Finding no room at the Inn. They stayed in a stable. Unable to return home until long after Mary had completed her days and then couldn't return for a long time.
All things come to pass as God allows! I am sure God did not dictate the killing of the baby boys because God would not have controlled the heart of Herod. However, God led the wise men to their destination in spite of Herod. The visit and their gifts were so important to sustain them! How gloriously and wondrously did God come to earth in the form of a man child! How magnificently and miraculously did the events unfold in the lives of two people that were chosen by God to be His parents on earth. Can you think of anything more awesome? Of course you can; His death, burial and resurrection? Hallelujah! Amen! Jane Ann
Thursday, December 25, 2008
BIRTHDAY OF THE KING continued 12/25/08
While Joseph was watching over his wife and their beautiful new baby boy, there were shepherds living out in the hills near Bethlehem, watching over their flocks. It was a unique night for there was a brilliant star positioned directly over Bethlehem. A star that the men had never seen before. They had gradually gathered together, warming themselves around a small fire discussing the phenomenon when all of a sudden, with a thunderous crack, an angel of the Lord appeared before them. The night sky was brilliant, dazzling, there were no words they knew that could describe it.
It was more beautiful than any evening they had ever seen. The men huddled together, terrified, shaking, unable to speak. But the angel comforted them; "Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people; Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord! This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger".
Suddenly music; music filled the night sky! Glorious music; music unlike anything they had ever heard before. A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying; "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests".
By: Dan Crenshaw 12/08
Today we do not find the baby Jesus in the manger; Today, this story in found in the pages of the Gospels and is now written upon our hearts. We celebrate a birthday that brought us a child that grew to be a man. A man who became our Savior!
"You don't need candlelight and fireside glow to make Christmas happen. It's Him! It's priceless to discover the pleasure of His company". quotation by Jack Hayford
Happy Christmas morning and go, enjoy this day! Jane Ann
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
BIRTHDAY OF THE KING continued 12/24/08
Joseph was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling of his one room house. he was exhausted, and yet, he couldn't seem to close his eyes. What was he to do? He loved Mary; he didn't want to expose her to public disgrace. It would probably be best to divorce her quietly. He couldn't believe what he was thinking. However, this was probably the best decision for all.
"Joseph, son of David"! "Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife. What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name of Jesus. He will save his people from their sins! All this is to take place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet; "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel....Which means, God with us".
Joseph woke with a start! He sat straight up in bed, shaken by the dream he had. Slowly as he sat up, he finally knew what he should do.
Mary couldn't believe it! She was Joseph's wife! She was in his home and she was safe!
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a degree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register.
With warranted concern, Joseph packed and prepared to travel from the town of Nazareth in Gailiee to Bethlehem, the town of David, in Judea; because he belonged to the house and line of David. He needed to register there with Mary! She was very far along and this journey would be difficult for her.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, people were scurrying everywhere. Joseph, irritated with himself that he wasn't prepared for this, knowing that everyone would be here to register, started knocking on doors to find a place for lodging. "Joseph"! Mary cried out to him! He ran back to her and realized that it was time. Panic was moving in quickly and Joseph began running from door to door trying to find room for him and Mary. No one would take them in; No one! Holding Mary in his arms, out of the corner of his eye, Joseph saw the previous Innkeeper that he had just spoken with, waving him over.
As Mary and Joseph stood in the doorway of the small cave, exhaustion was taking over. The noise from the few animals it housed and the odor that accompanied them brought quiet tears to Joseph's eyes. He didn't want this for Mary, yet; there was no other option. Mary, didn't seem to care! She spotted a pile of clean straw and quickly started preparing.
Joseph had gathered himself and began trying to make Mary as comfortable as possible. In the early hours of the morning, she gave birth to her first born; a son! A beautiful boy with dark brown hair and deep brown, knowing eyes. His healthy cry made Mary and Joseph laugh for they knew he was strong. Mary had brought cloths with her and Joseph took them and carefully wrapped.....Jesus.....and gently laid him in Mary's arms. By: Dan Crenshaw 12/08
"Joseph, son of David"! "Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife. What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name of Jesus. He will save his people from their sins! All this is to take place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet; "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel....Which means, God with us".
Joseph woke with a start! He sat straight up in bed, shaken by the dream he had. Slowly as he sat up, he finally knew what he should do.
Mary couldn't believe it! She was Joseph's wife! She was in his home and she was safe!
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a degree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register.
With warranted concern, Joseph packed and prepared to travel from the town of Nazareth in Gailiee to Bethlehem, the town of David, in Judea; because he belonged to the house and line of David. He needed to register there with Mary! She was very far along and this journey would be difficult for her.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, people were scurrying everywhere. Joseph, irritated with himself that he wasn't prepared for this, knowing that everyone would be here to register, started knocking on doors to find a place for lodging. "Joseph"! Mary cried out to him! He ran back to her and realized that it was time. Panic was moving in quickly and Joseph began running from door to door trying to find room for him and Mary. No one would take them in; No one! Holding Mary in his arms, out of the corner of his eye, Joseph saw the previous Innkeeper that he had just spoken with, waving him over.
As Mary and Joseph stood in the doorway of the small cave, exhaustion was taking over. The noise from the few animals it housed and the odor that accompanied them brought quiet tears to Joseph's eyes. He didn't want this for Mary, yet; there was no other option. Mary, didn't seem to care! She spotted a pile of clean straw and quickly started preparing.
Joseph had gathered himself and began trying to make Mary as comfortable as possible. In the early hours of the morning, she gave birth to her first born; a son! A beautiful boy with dark brown hair and deep brown, knowing eyes. His healthy cry made Mary and Joseph laugh for they knew he was strong. Mary had brought cloths with her and Joseph took them and carefully wrapped.....Jesus.....and gently laid him in Mary's arms. By: Dan Crenshaw 12/08
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
BIRTHDAY OF THE KING continued 12/23/08
Mary had barely turned on the road where Elizabeth and Zechariah lived when she heard that all too familiar voice, shouting towards her; "Mary! Mary!" Mary looked around to see Elizabeth quickly walking towards her. "Elizabeth!" The relief to see Elizabeth was overwhelming. Elizabeth would comfort her; she would know what to do.
As Mary quickened her pace, she realized that Elizabeth had stopped. She was holding her tummy with the most peculiar look on her face. Then all of a sudden, it was as if the moment became clear for Elizabeth. In a loud and joyful voice, Elizabeth greeted Mary by exclaiming; "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Elizabeth's arms were outstretched to Mary and she continued on her way, welcoming her.
Tears began falling down Mary's cheeks, as she fell into Elizabeth's arms. She didn't understand how Elizabeth knew, but she didn't care. Elizabeth knew....and yet, she still loved her!
As Mary released her arms from around Elizabeth, she gathered herself and slowly turned her gaze toward the beautiful clear sky. "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is his name! His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation; He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts; He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble; He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty; He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers".
Without speaking a word, Elizabeth gently took Mary's hand and led her back to the house. In the caring and loving presence of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary rested and grew strong in the life that God had given to her. She stayed with Elizabeth for about 3 months, helping with daily chores as Elizabeth's time grew near. Mary spent her quiet moments in prayer, gathering her thoughts, practicing the words she would share with her family and with....Joseph. It was time to go home!
Her mother, father....and Joseph sat in front of her with stunned, unbelieving faces. Mary's eyes began to well up with tears, yet her confidence remained. "Joseph"? Mary questioned his face, his eyes. Joseph's gaze turned toward the ground, he didn't know what to say. Joseph slowly stood up, looked up at Mary in a quiet, painful gaze, turned toward the door and left into the night. By: Dan Crenshaw 12/08
As Mary quickened her pace, she realized that Elizabeth had stopped. She was holding her tummy with the most peculiar look on her face. Then all of a sudden, it was as if the moment became clear for Elizabeth. In a loud and joyful voice, Elizabeth greeted Mary by exclaiming; "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Elizabeth's arms were outstretched to Mary and she continued on her way, welcoming her.
Tears began falling down Mary's cheeks, as she fell into Elizabeth's arms. She didn't understand how Elizabeth knew, but she didn't care. Elizabeth knew....and yet, she still loved her!
As Mary released her arms from around Elizabeth, she gathered herself and slowly turned her gaze toward the beautiful clear sky. "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is his name! His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation; He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts; He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble; He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty; He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers".
Without speaking a word, Elizabeth gently took Mary's hand and led her back to the house. In the caring and loving presence of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary rested and grew strong in the life that God had given to her. She stayed with Elizabeth for about 3 months, helping with daily chores as Elizabeth's time grew near. Mary spent her quiet moments in prayer, gathering her thoughts, practicing the words she would share with her family and with....Joseph. It was time to go home!
Her mother, father....and Joseph sat in front of her with stunned, unbelieving faces. Mary's eyes began to well up with tears, yet her confidence remained. "Joseph"? Mary questioned his face, his eyes. Joseph's gaze turned toward the ground, he didn't know what to say. Joseph slowly stood up, looked up at Mary in a quiet, painful gaze, turned toward the door and left into the night. By: Dan Crenshaw 12/08
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