Christmas: On Jesus' Terms

Are there things you will do, or accept, only on certain conditions? Mary “was the first person to accept Jesus on His own terms, regardless of the personal cost.”

The Angel arrives announcing that she would give birth to the promised King. She responds, “I am the Lord’s servant,” – “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) Why is that so remarkable?

Giving birth to Jesus was a highly favored & privileged role. One person in the world got to do what she would do. But there were some “issues” - things that troubled her, even caused her to fear and were complicated.

Mary was an unmarried virgin. What would her fiancée, family and community say about all this? No fury like that of a slighted fiancée. Jewish law would regard her as an adulteress - subject to death by stoning.

Joseph considered the more gentle route of quietly breaking off the proposed marriage. He didn’t want to expose Mary to public disgrace and shame. As if that would have taken away Mary’s public humiliation. How would Mary explain this to everyone? Mary hadn’t been sexually immoral, but that is sure what it would seem like to others. There could be scandal or the appearance of being mentally unstable with that story about being a pregnant virgin, and an angel speaking to her about giving birth to the Son of God.

Mary received Jesus on His terms, no matter what it would cost. Even if it meant stoning, separation from her fiancée, shame, single parenthood, scandal, skeptics, shunning, stories, questions about her sanity, and loss of security.

Mary trusted that receiving Jesus into her body would result in more blessing, favor, joy and purpose than all the potential problems. She understood the eternal good that could come, and far outweigh the temporary trials that troubled her. Because of her faith and obedience, and because of the Christ child that she would give birth to, all nations would be blessed. Salvation would be made possible thru the one she would agree to carry in her womb.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Will you receive Jesus on His terms? Many want to accept a God of their own making, or on their conditions, and don’t want Jesus to “get in the way” of their life. We may go to church once in awhile, ask for prayer when we are in trouble – be okay with a little baby in a manger, but not ready to accept that Christ came to die on the cross for our sins. Don’t forget the Lord knows what is best. He wants to give what is really best. He will help those who are His. Will you take Jesus into your life and trust Him with all of your life?

There is a cost to faith in Jesus and following Him, but the cost of not receiving Jesus on His terms, is way higher and far more detrimental to your life and your eternity.

Jesus promised, to all who would receive Him - that He would be with them always – that He would give them full and abundant life (better than anything else this life has to offer) – and that He would give them the blessings of eternity in Heaven.

Receiving Jesus on His terms is what makes life good, and also brings favor with God, real joy, real peace, and purpose to all of our days.