Mary Christmas – A Call to Live Boldly for Christ

December 2, 2024

Nearly 30 years ago, I heard a pastor say something that stuck with me: “Mary Christmas.” At the time, I thought it was just a clever play on words. But over the years, it has transformed the way I see Christmas—and how I walk with Jesus.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is often overlooked in our faith conversations, almost as if we’re afraid to talk about her. Yet her story is extraordinary—not just for what God did through her, but for how she responded. Mary is a prototype for every disciple. What happened to her physically—Christ indwelling her, growing in her, stretching her, and ultimately going out from her to transform the world—happens to us spiritually.

Imagine what Mary experienced leading up to that first Christmas. She was young, pregnant under mysterious circumstances, traveling rough roads, and giving birth in a stable. It wasn’t the picture-perfect nativity scene we imagine today, but through it all, God was at work, bringing something extraordinary to life in her and through her.

So, when we say “Mary Christmas,” it’s not just a clever phrase; it’s a challenge to live as she did—fully surrendered to God’s work in our lives, allowing Him to transform us and the world around us.

Christ Indwelling Us – A Humble Yes to God’s Plan

Scriptures: Luke 1:26-38; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27; Romans 8:9-11

Mary’s life changed forever when the angel Gabriel delivered God’s astonishing message: she would carry the Son of God. Her response? “Let it be to me according to your word.” Mary said yes to God’s plan, even though she didn’t know all the details. That “yes” meant Christ would literally dwell within her, forever changing her life and the world.

Spiritually, the same is true for us. When we say yes to Jesus, He indwells us—not as a distant figure but as a living presence, transforming everything about who we are. Mary’s humble “yes” is a model for how we invite Christ to take His place at the center of our lives.

I’ll never forget my own “yes” to God. It was November 3rd, and I remember the message preached that evening, the crispness of the air, and how everything seemed brighter the next day. That moment changed everything for me. What was your day like?

Action Steps:

• Reflect on your own moment of saying yes to God. What does it mean for Christ to dwell in you?
• Identify areas of your life where you might need to give Him full access.
• This week, write down one specific way you can invite Christ into a deeper part of your life.

Christ Growing in Us – Treasuring His Work in Our Lives

Scriptures: Luke 2:5, 19; Colossians 1:27

Luke 2:5 in the KJV describes Mary as being “great with child.” That phrase always stands out to me—Mary’s body visibly changed as Jesus grew within her. This wasn’t just a physical reality; it reflected the transformation God was working in her life.

Later in Luke, after Jesus was born, Mary didn’t have all the answers, but she treasured every moment, pondering God’s work in her heart. Christ grew her, and as we treasure His work, He grows in us, shaping our hearts and our lives. Growth isn’t always instant; it’s a process of trusting Him each day.

Action Steps:

• Meditate on Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Reflect on what this truth means for your daily life.
• Take five minutes each evening to write down where you saw God at work that day.
• Share with a friend or family member how God has been growing you recently.

Christ Stretching Us – Trusting Through Trials and Pain

Scriptures: Luke 2:34-35; John 19:25

Mary didn’t just experience the joy of Christmas; she also endured the pain of following God’s plan. Simeon’s words in the temple foreshadowed the heartache she would face, and standing at the foot of the cross, Mary witnessed her Son’s suffering for the world.

Christ stretches us in similar ways. He challenges our comfort zones, tests our faith, and refines us through trials. When my dad passed away in 2017, he asked me to perform his funeral. I wasn’t sure I could handle the grief and the responsibility, but God was faithful. Though it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, God stretched me, strengthened me, and continues to do so. How is Christ stretching you today?

Action Steps:

• Identify a challenge in your life where you need to trust God more deeply. Surrender it to Him in prayer.
• Encourage someone else who is going through a tough time, reminding them of God’s faithfulness.
• Memorize Romans 8:28: “He works all things together for good…” Let it shape your perspective during trials.

Christ Going from Us – Sharing His Love with the World

Scriptures: John 2:1-5; Matthew 28:19-20

Mary’s role didn’t end with Jesus’ birth. At the wedding in Cana, she pointed others to Him, saying, “Do whatever He tells you.” Her faith went beyond personal transformation; she encouraged others to trust Jesus, allowing His power to change their lives too.

Our faith journey isn’t complete until we share Christ with the world. Just as Mary pointed others to Him, we are called to let His love flow through us, transforming those around us.

Action Steps:

• Pray for one person who needs to experience the love of Christ this week.
• Commit to one act of service or generosity this Christmas season that points others to Jesus.
• Share your testimony with someone, highlighting how Christ has changed your life.

Mary Christmas – A Call to Live Boldly for Christ

Mary’s journey is the prototype for discipleship. What happened to her physically—Christ indwelling her, growing in her, stretching her, and going out from her to change the world—happens to us spiritually.

This Christmas, let’s follow her example. Say “yes” to God’s plans. Treasure His work in your life. Trust Him through the trials. And boldly share His love with the world.

So, from my heart to yours: Mary Christmas!