The Christmas story is full of fascinating characters. As we reflect on them they all give us some lessons in life. The shepherds teach us to be humble and simple in our faith, so that God can speak to us. The wise men teach us that God is found when we seek Him. The Baby Jesus teaches us that Father God wants to know us and be known by us…so he wrapped himself in the vulnerable and approachable form of a human infant. And, of course, Mary has some special things to teach us as well.

As I reflect on Mary, I am reminded that God chose to use her because of some very special factors. Even before she was pregnant we could say that Mary was expecting Jesus. She was a Messianic Jew who was waiting and watching for the Savior to come. She did not know God would use her in this way, but she was watching for him to appear. God uses people who put their faith in him as Mary did. And God comes to people who long to see his appearing.

He also chose her to be the mother of Jesus because she was pure. Mary was a virgin and it is not an insignificant coincidence that God chose this particular young woman. Something about her decision to do things God’s way prepared her to do something great for God and to be someone significant in history.

As I reflect on Mary I am challenged to be a person of greater commitment to God and faith in His son. Mary modeled this kind of attitude. She was sold out to God and because of this God used her as a key player in the Greatest Story Ever Told. I hope you and I can follow her example and find ourselves playing a part in that story of God’s redeeming love.

Chaplain Cameron Gillett

	Chaplain Cameron P. Gillett, D.Min. cameron.gillett@valleybaptist.net
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