Gospel Grace

The Nativity in a New Light

BY TAWANA LOWERY

The life of Mary and Joseph and their epic journey to Bethlehem has always been a source of profound inspiration. Their transcendent story has captivated millions of hearts and minds for centuries. Yet, against the present-day backdrop of so much global unrest, reflecting on their struggle of that silent night offers even greater inspiration this year.

So much about their moment in history has been romanticized through pictures, stories, carols, and the like. But to only focus on their life in that context trivializes the extreme difficulty endured by an unlikely couple trying to cope with 360-degree uncertainty while adjusting to the demands of a new marriage and a new life. Without warning, their simple existence was interrupted by complicated chaos and oppression. They had no idea how the future would unfold. There was no beautifully packaged Christmas story to read. No illuminated nativity scene to help make sense of their seemingly dark reality. The life they were hoping for was hijacked by circumstances they did not plan for. Nevertheless, they moved forward. They kept the faith and finished the race.

THOSE WHO CROSS THE FINISH LINE RECEIVE THE CROWN.

Fast forward to December 2023. Life is once again extremely challenging. Uncertainty abounds at a head-spinning pace. The life many imagined has taken an abrupt U-turn or seems completely out of reach. Sadly, perpetual instability has tempted some believers to lose heart.

Well, maybe this is the Christmas we can secure our joy by casting new light on the life of Mary and Joseph. Maybe this year, we have an opportunity to see their life being similar to our own. As we take time to empathize with their hardship, let’s also consider the timeless anchors that enabled their unwavering determination to fulfill their destiny. In fact, I believe we can observe three important principles that apply to our lives today.

1. ALWAYS REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE AND THE CALL ON YOUR LIFE.

Remembering who you are and the call God has given you is especially crucial during times of rapid change and prolonged struggle. Mary and Joseph received a direct message about their identity and calling before embarking on their assignment. We see the same pattern with Gideon, Abraham, and Yeshua. It is no coincidence that God chooses this approach because He calls us who we are in the kingdom before sending us to advance His kingdom. When we are grounded in our true identity, it infuses our soul with truth that propels us forward in faith. Our faith is the fuel that allows us to finish our race.

Kingdom ambassadors are born, gifted, and specifically assigned for times of great challenge. As Rabbi Paul so eloquently reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (NKJV).

2. SECONDLY, WE MUST REMEMBER GOD’S FAITHFULNESS EACH DAY.

Remembering God’s faithfulness includes reciting scriptures about His provision, presence, unchanging love, and all His promises as our Avinu Malkeinu— our Father and our King! But it also includes remembering the past as we move forward. We must do as King David did as recorded in Psalm 77:11, I will remember the works of the Lord. Surely I will remember your wonders of old (NKJV).

Recalling God’s past provisions, no matter how big or small, empowers us with a victorious mindset and energizes our souls to overcome the present pressure. Remembering the goodness of the Lord was a daily practice for Mary and Joseph, according to the traditions of their faith. Let it be the same in us.

3. FINALLY, WE MUST REMEMBER THE ETERNAL GOAL.

When the journey is long and the pressure is on, the temptation to throw in the towel comes to all of us. But those who endure to the end receive the reward. Those who cross the finish line receive the crown.

As we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 4:17, our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (NKJV).

For Mary and Joseph, the person of Jesus gave meaning to their journey. The Word made flesh was with them during every moment. And His glorious appearance was the reward.

As it was for Mary and Joseph, we have no clear vision of how the coming days may unfold. Most likely, there will be uncharted waters ahead. Possibly, our faith will be challenged in new and unimaginable ways. Nevertheless, let us embrace the light of that silent night as a reminder of the timeless lessons from an unlikely man and woman who kept their faith in the midst of unprecedented hardship.

In the tempest, in the trial, in the chaos and conflict, the Alpha and Omega is always with us; He is always for us. From everlasting to everlasting, He is magnificently present in all the details of those commissioned to carry the presence and person of Yeshua, our salvation.

Whether around the family dinner table, in the towering corner office, or on the back of a lowly donkey, we all carry the blessed hope as an anchor for our soul. And regardless of the challenge, we can move forward with courage and joy, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion unto the big reveal of Christ Jesus!

Tawana Lowery is an international speaker, women’s leadership coach, author, podcast host, and Executive Director of Miss Overcomer Global. Learn more about Tawana and her ministry at www.MissOvercomer.com or email her at Tawana@MissOvercomer.com

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Copyrighted by Tawana Lowery and Women World Leaders