Christmas is a time of miracles and for families. As I prepare for it this year my mind continues to gravitate back to that first Christmas. As a mother, grandmother, and aunt it makes me wonder what the women of Mary’s family thought about her and her baby, God’s Son. Did they throw her a shower or babysit Him? Did they offer advice and help? Who was expected to attend Mary at the baby’s delivery?
In our family a baby is a big deal. Phone start buzzing as soon as the couple see the positive on that little stick. Grandparents-to-be are over the moon excited as are aunts and uncles. 
Siblings and cousins eagerly await the new one, also. Funny, adorable pictures are sent or put on Facebook to let everyone know a new member will be added to the family. There are showers to flood the family with all kinds of things for the baby. Several of my friends have had Grammy showers.
There is not much information on the women in her family or Joseph’s. Some data can be found on the men but not women. Women were not mentioned much in biblical times, mostly just men. Mary was an only child. I remember that from church and readings. It was indicated that she was a devoted daughter and very good. Greek scrolls list Mary’s parents as Anne or Anna and Eli. They do not name grandparents. Joseph had siblings so Jesus had aunts, uncles, and cousins. When studying about His family it is very controversial about if He had siblings. I am not well versed enough to comment or debate this. You will need to study up on it yourself and then please let me know your thoughts.
Confusing and emotional to think that God’s Son had a literal earthly family. Don’t you wonder what they thought? Mary announced she was untouched and having a baby. Joseph backed her up. Wait a minute, she was pregnant and they were just betrothed. Mary claimed she hadn’t been unfaithful nor had Joseph known her. Did his family urge Joseph to stone or divorce her? Did Mary’s family make fun of her and think her mentally ill or promiscuous? What would we do if one of our family members announced something miraculous and could only come from God, had happened to them? Would we believe them? Be envious or skeptical? Maybe happy? Excited? Would we want to hear the tale of this blessing and revelation from God Himself? Maybe we would yearn to know every detail of what Abba said and how His voice sounded. We might believe them. Perhaps or perhaps not. Humans are curious by nature but hard to convince.
Can you imagine how her parents felt when young teenage Mary left on a donkey in the late stages of pregnancy to go with Joseph to Bethlehem for the census? This mama here would have been climbing the walls if my daughter had done something like that. From that first step of the donkey until the first glimpse of her return, Mary’s mother was probably walking the floor. 
Mary left pregnant and came back a mother. The journey took a while to make, too, with no way to get news to her family. Oh my! Mary had her baby without her mother or other family there. Did she return and announce “here is Jesus, our Savior.” Probably not. Mary most likely had to keep that bit of knowledge to herself. Treasuring that blessing and holding it deep within her. However, I would think Mary’s family gathered around to see her new bouncing baby boy when she and Joseph returned from Bethlehem. Families are universal and a baby unites them. He brings hope and joy. Everyone smiles around a baby. Happiness abounds when an infant is nearby. Women want to hold him. Children want to see his toes. Men turn into a pile of mush and say sing-songy things in a funny voice. Babies bring families together.
The same happened with Mary’s baby. God came to Earth as an infant, part man and God, as Jesus. He experienced things as we do. The advice and counsel we get is really from an “I’ve been there myself” viewpoint. Jesus understands. He gets it. He was scorned, beaten, harassed, bullied, and crucified. You name it and it was probably done to our Redeemer. True to scripture Jesus fulfilled prophecy proving He is God’s son. He unites all mankind and invites us to join His family, God’s family. He offers peace, hope, and happiness. He offers love and forgiveness. He offers joy. Joy to the world.
Wow, total honesty. Our God already know that anyway, but He just wants us to admit it to Him and ourselves. All of the prayers are like this, meant to draw us closer to God.
The prayers are not complicated or overthought, but they are sincere and moving. The issues are real. Some days I read prayers over and over again. I read them to help me or to a friend that needed encouragement. The intent of this prayer book is to lead us to God each day and live our lives with our hearts. We should give our hearts to God and watch where He takes us. Talk about inspiring and encouraging. This is it! I loved it. It is definitely a 5 star recommendation from me. I will be giving some for Christmas gifts as well as keeping one for myself. You should check it out.
Giving gifts is a privilege, and getting them is a real treat. I love how it makes me feel to know someone cared enough to spend time on me. I feel loved.
They should relate to others that we thought about them during this Season of Miracles and Love. They should let others know how important they are to us, as important as a teacher or mailman. They should build memories, happy ones.
attention from page one until I finished the book. I ran the gamut of emotions while reading the story, too. Rage, disbelief, love, heartbreak, forgiveness, grace, and everything in between. I cried (and cried) while reading this touching story.
Andrew on the other hand has continued his bad ways and ends up in prison himself.
fortunate to have much or any free time to read. It is important to nourish and feed your soul just like it is your body. I have found a great devotional for both groups. If you need a quick three or four minute lesson to read alone or add to your arsenal, try this one.
discernment, love, priorities, time, things out of our control, surrendering to God, and so many more. Often the devotional was like a mini Sunday School lesson, teaching me.
Harvest House hits the streets September 1st. It is 242 pages of wealth on digging deeper into God’s Word and Voice. Pre-purchase it and receive a free book along with it.
bible reader or novice just beginning, is to read, write, and pray God’s Word. No typing. Write it with your hand on paper so that it stays with you. She has a variety of things to share to enlighten and encourage. There is much more packed into this impactful jewel.
recommendation.
Both of my grandmothers were talented cooks. Even cleaning is a gift. My sweet mother keeps the cleanest house and it is a talent of hers. How about bring others to Jesus? That’s another one. Being gracious, making people feel at ease, taking charge in emergency situations, always being cheerful are gifts that not everyone has. Think about what you really enjoy and what you are able to do well. Chances are those are the gifts or talents Abba has placed on you.
Published by Barbour it is packed full of inspiration for middle and high schoolers. The cover is plain white and to the point: #truth. Teens don’t want a lot of extras. Just get to the point with them.
We constantly need to be on our toes and wearing our armor for protection. For Satan nothing is off limits. He uses friends, music, television, internet, and movies among a multitude of things and people to brainwash us into thinking bad is actually okay. More than okay, bad is good.
Instead of being appalled we wanted to condone and celebrate adultery and fornication between the two movie characters. What was our problem? I would have a really big problem if some woman wanted to look longingly into my hubby’s eyes awaiting his kiss.
What once was taboo is now perfectly fine because of seeing it on the screen or reading it in a book. This is influencing our kids. It’s okay to go on dates or sleep with someone else’s spouse. Sex doesn’t need the sanctification of marriage or God’s blessing. Couples should live together before marriage or at least go on romantic vacations. If you want something, take it. Breaking any one of the Ten Commandments isn’t serious. Oh my, how far we have gone from what God has commanded.
It is our job to influence our kids. Don’t feed them to the lion or be lion food yourself.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 