Oh and you can find me writing on her blog today so hop over and read my thoughts and stay awhile to be blessed by hers.
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by Beck Gambill
Have you ever thought about the gnarled hands that helped Jesus learn to walk? Or the wise heart that offered comfort and advice to his young mother? This Christmas season I've been pondering a person who's name isn't mentioned in the account of Jesus birth, but of whose existence I'm sure. Jesus' grandmother.
Mary's response to the circumstances of her life must have been a result, at least partially, of her upbringing. She saw faith modeled. Everything she needed to know about raising children, keeping a home, being faithful to Joseph, and trusting God was influenced by her mother. Her response, to an unexpected message brought by an extraordinary messenger, was faith.
Jesus wasn't born just to Mary, he was born into a whole family. What relationship was there between this very special little boy and his grandmother? Even if she doubted the story of her daughter's pregnancy babies have a way of softening hearts. I've learned that in difficult situations precious babies are the great equalizer. I imagine, just like every other generation of women through the ages, her pride and joy in this new addition was profound.
Did she and Jesus share family jokes, did she sing songs to him, did she tell him stories of God's faithfulness from her own life? How do you teach the King of the universe... anything? And yet that was her responsibility. As well as Mary's and Joseph's and Jesus' other family members.
You will not dandle the Messiah on your knee, but certainly the faithfulness of raising godly children will be rewarded in future generations. “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it,” says Proverbs 22:6. By the fruit of Mary's life it appears that her mother set her feet onto the right path.
This Christmas, “come, let us adore him,” little eyes are watching!
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Beck Gambill writes at Beck Far From Home (beckfarfromhome.blogspot.com) about her homesickness for Jesus. Mentoring and ministering to women's hearts is her passion. You can download her free ebook on mentoring, Sister to Sister, on her website. She is privileged to partner with her husband in full time ministry, as well as being the mommy to Max and Maggie.
What an awesome perspective! I never thought of Mary's response as a direct reflection of her mother's influence. Thank you for bringing comfort to my heart and encouragement to stay at it!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome Beth! Be encouraged on the journey of motherhood that as we're faithful God produces fruit in our families!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! I just wrote one on this very subject yesterday. It's titled Called To Be A Mom. http://christiansupermom.com/called-mom
ReplyDeleteI find it so fascinating that Mary was the mother of Jesus and we don't really know what that mother/child relationship consisted of during his early impressionable toddler/preschool years. What an enormous responsibility she must have felt. Even though my children aren't likely to have a role as significant as Jesus' mission, I still have a huge responsibility in raising them to know God and to love Him.
~Blessings,
Rosann
This is a great post! I love thinking on Mary, especially this time of year. But I never thought about thinking beyond that. Definitely some food for thought! Great guest post!
ReplyDeleteRosann, you have me at the title alone...motherhood is definitely a calling!
ReplyDeleteTyKes Mom, I know, right? Isn't Beck just so creative? Love her!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I have never thought outside of what I've been taught and am so impressed with your insight and perspective. So interesting and thought provoking! Good stuff.
ReplyDeletePerspective, I am amazed at how Beck thought outside the box and I too love her insights!
ReplyDeletethat's beautifully said. Thank you
ReplyDeleteOlusola, thank you so much for stopping by! What a delight!
ReplyDeleteI thank you for this post. It is so imperative to look at the value of an extended family and Jesus' own family is a wonderful example. Happy Christmas to you and your own family.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing some of Beck's writing - I've read several of her posts before and am always in awe of her way with words:)
ReplyDeleteBeck - I've never, ever thought about the fact that Jesus may have had a grandmother - thanks for allowing us to share this different perspective.
Kristina
Jacqueline, indeed there is great value in extended family. My hubby and I are already looking forward to those "golden" years of being grandparents. What a delight to influence another generation!
ReplyDeleteKristina, you are so right! Beck has a beautiful, natural gift with words!
ReplyDeleteWow. What a great thought! I have NEVER ONCE considered the role of Jesus' grandma, and yet, it makes sense. Such a sweet word of encouragement for mama's everywhere. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, after a tough day of parenting, I certainly am feeling the love! Thank you sweet friends for all of your kind, encouraging comments. My Dad was a seminary student as I was growing up and always taught me to think outside of the box. I'm thankful to have been a little source of encouragement. Let's keep loving and teaching these little ones and trusting Jesus for their hearts!
ReplyDeleteMonique, I know...even on my worst Mommy days I can trust God to redeem it for His glory and my sweet little one's good. Thank goodness!
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