“Mary nodded…the ox and lamb kept time…I played my drum for Him…I played my best for Him! Then He smiled at me!”
These words from the popular Christmas song hit my heart like an arrow one morning. God began speaking to me about the role of a mother. Now, I am a new mom so this could have easily stayed within the realm of child raising, but God is calling all of us further. He is taking us beyond the comfortable, and into authority.
Mary nodded. The nod of approval from a mother released a poor boy to give his best and worship our King. Her nod set creation into keeping rhythm.
I know, I know, this isn’t scripture. But I feel that God was pointing out the essential role of Mothers and Fathers in the faith. Pointing out the need for them to rise up and give approval. To release people to give their best, to feel His smile on their life.
A father or mother says to them, “What you have and who you are is enough. Its welcome, beautiful, and valued.”
It may be loud, disruptive, and send a shock into the “silent night.” But Jesus smiles.
A mothers’ nod started it all, her life laid down was seen by God. When people show you what they have do you judge it? It may be a horrible mess, it may be broken or weak, but can you see the joyous rhythm to come? Can you see the child of God beneath it all?
This is what God is asking me.
We are Sons and Daughters of the Most High, become mothers and fathers as soon as we can see that each life has something to offer Jesus. We are here to lead that life to freedom in worship.
Two loaves and five fish fed over 5,000. Look what happens when something is given to Jesus. He is awesome.
Maybe you are entering this season and all around you is the tunnel of chaos. Give him one second of trust, and he will show you the light at the end.
Maybe you are like me, a long time Christian and your heart is crying to reveal the depths of significance in this season. Look for those who need to be released, who need to feel some acceptance from the God that loves unconditionally. See the gold, see the beautiful tune to be drummed out, and come along side of them! Let them know it is good.
They are good.
They are His. Messy, broken, and weak, we are His. And over us, Jesus is smiling.
His coming as a fragile baby was a declaration to the messed up world “Come as you are, I make all things new.”
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
You are anointed to declare the favor of Jesus. You are anointed to bring the good news, anointed to reveal Jesus. So those who were once captive would be called “oaks of righteousness.”
My prayer for all of us this holiday season is that we would boldly give all we have. That we would love deeply, setting aside our pride, and be vulnerable. Pray for the sick, Jesus who came as a baby, is the healer still today.
Jesus has poured out his approval over us. Will I realize that? Will I stand in joy and love, and serve Him without fear?? Will my life reveal Jesus this Christmas? We can change the world this season if we all answer YES.