Fear Not For Thou Hast Found Favor With God

I, like many of you, adore the story of Christ's birth. Aside from the the obvious religious implications, which are very dear and sacred to me the story, by itself, is still incredible. The cast of characters is extensive but everyone plays such an essential role. From the very beginning of Christ's life the principles that He would exemplify were already apparent in those that were close to Him at his birth. 


This story begins with Zacharias and Elisabeth and their story of patience and promise. They were both righteous and thus prepared for whatever role their Father in Heaven had in store for them. They are such a great example of enduring. They waited so many years for a child and then to get one so late in life. In their place I may have felt overwhelmed. However, they were willing to be parents to a very special baby boy. John the Baptist was specially called to prepare the way and testify of Jesus Christ, a role that assumed even while in the womb (Luke 1:41). 


Next we add the obedient shepherds watching their flock by night. Whom after receiving the news of Christ from Angles of the Lord said "'Let us now go'...and they made haste" (Luke 2: 15-16). How easily they could have made excuses or debated the timing. They could have waited until morning, been concerned with the logistics of such a trip, or afraid for their safety or the safety of their flock. Yet, they made haste. 


Then we have those and faithful wise men who were not only willing to make large sacrifices themselves, but who were  faithful enough to recognize the signs of Christ's birth. What righteous, wonderful men. Their eagerness to pay tribute to the Savior; their faith. They were ready to trust that the fate of all mankind be left in the hands of such a small boy. 


Now, we have our dear Joseph; what an honorable young man. When Joseph first heard that Mary was pregnant he, naturally, must have felt so betrayed. However, he cared about Mary and could not leave her to suffer the consequences of the law. He wanted to do right by Mary and keep things very quiet. Then when he understood the reality of Mary's situation he married her quickly taking on both the responsibly of parenthood to Savior of the world and the judgement and cruelty of those who didn't understand. 


I love Mary. What a perfect example for Christ to grow up with. I can only imagine what she must have felt. What an incredible thing to be called to do. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and explained her mission she had only two things to say in response. First she said "how should this be, seeing I know not a man?" after Gabriel's answer to her sweet, humble question saying "with God nothing shall be impossible". Mary then replied "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1). I love her response. I admire Mary's courage. What she was asked to do must have been so daunting and humbling. I would be terrified and sure that I was not qualified for such a task. How does one parent the Son of God? What could a young girl have to offer? How many years of ridicule and misunderstanding were facing her and those she loved? With all of that ahead how admirable that all she had to say was "be it unto me according to thy word." 


From the first moments of Christ's earthly life those importance principles of his ministry were already in place. In this amazing story we learn such importance lessons of enduring, testifying of truth, obedience, faith, honor, and courage. As i read this story each year i cannot help but wonder what my role is; to wonder if I am prepared for what I will be asked to do. This story makes it so clear how the seemingly small, supporting roles of life can have great importance to the Lord. How dearly we are all loved by Heavenly Father and how important we are to Him. I know, with all my heart, that each one of us has an important role to play. We are capable of so very much and it is because of that scared day when the Savior was born and made way for two more important principles that of love and redemption. It is because of both of those that we are able to reach our potential. If we can follow the example of those that were there that sacred day and endure, testify, be endlessly obedient, faithful, and full of honor, and courage. and if we use the atonement of our Savior to learn how to perfectly love and seek redemption we can someday hear "Thou has found favor with God" 


Applicable links:
Videos of Christ's birth

Monday Madness: It Happens All The Time

Agatha and Fitz were on their first date; it wasn't going well. It was the end of the semester and Fitz was days away from moving back home. Agatha was already pretty emotionally neutral about ole' Fitzy and his impending move made her even less enchanted with this date. As they were bowling up on campus she kept thinking to herself 'what is the point of this' and had worked herself into a bit of a funk.

They walked back to her house and Fitz said, "why don't we go get a movie?"

Agatha begrudgingly agreed only to be reminded that Fitz didn't have a car so she would be driving them to rent this movie. She walked down to her car, saw it covered in snow, and was miffed. She thought to herself, "why can't this date just be over already!" Agatha decided that she would hurry things along and not do any snow removal on her rear window. She jumped in the car, thew it into reverse and very soon after heard her car and the apartment dumpster meet with a big thud.

Fitz looked wide-eyed at Agatha and said, "Oh man" with a bit of wonder and amusement in his voice.

Agatha was now beyond miffed both by her dreadful night and by Fitz's stupid response. So she very calmly and nonchalantly said "Eh, it's ok. It happens all the time" while throwing her car into drive and speeding out of the lot.

and Fitz bought it.

Jumanji

My dear friend has this wonderful little dating theory that always makes me laugh. I asked if she would share it and she agreed. Go here to read all about it http://emilythetall.blogspot.com/2011/11/jumanji.html

Monday Madness: The Simpsons

Agatha and Fitz had been dating for a few months and to be honest it felt more like a friendship, and not in a good way. They got along well and had similar interests but they lacked all romance. They had been friends before they decided to give dating a shot and dating it turns out felt just like the friendship. It was time to call a spade a spade.

Agatha said "i am really sorry Fitzy but I just don't think we are anything more than friends.

Fitz responded "I actually agree completely"

the two sat awkwardly for a minute wondering what to do next, what would happen, how should they act....

Then Fitz said "I think The Simpsons are starting"

They turned the TV on and never mentioned dating again