Thought of the Day !!

The angel went to [Mary] and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Luke 1:28 (NIV)

Mary was really just a child. She was not powerful or famous, but instead ordinary. But most importantly, she was highly favored by God. And the Lord was with her.

Of course, this didn't keep her from going through some very difficult times. Can you imagine what the people said about her when they found out she was pregnant and not wed? Actually, she could have been stoned to death if Joseph had chosen that route. Can you imagine how rough it was on her to be "very" pregnant and ride a donkey cross-country to Bethlehem? For us guys, we can never know that. But we've all seen "very pregnant" women and have heard what they endured without the help of bouncing up and down on a donkey. How about how hard it had to be to see her eldest son being tortured and finally crucified?

How about you? Are you going through any difficult times at this moment? Christmas is coming and it's the most joyous time of the year...for many. For some, though, it's the hardest. Depression sets in for one reason or another. If there is anything (big or small) that is troubling you this season, remember this. Just as the Lord was with Mary...so is He with you. He loves you, for you are highly favored by Him.

In the love of Christ,
greg