Merry Christmas!
Jesus didn't stay as he was and continue to walk the earth. He left miraculously and mysteriously, but with only his small group of disciples as onlookers to his ascension into heaven.
He left them with his words, he made clear their mission, and he promised to equip them in this task.
But we do have a last glimpse of Mary, kneeling with the Eleven, with the women, and with her sons who now believed. (150)
Ten days later, while they were gathered in one place, the sound of a violent wind filled the house. Tongues of fire split apart and rested on each of them. God the Holy Spirit had arrived, and the disciples would never be the same. (150)
The author goes on to remind us that God has not left us either and equips us through his Word and Sacraments. She does a beautiful job describing who the Holy Spirit is, what he does for us and the means through which he works.
So where is God when we need him? He is clothing us with his Holy Spirit and his power. He is ruling on our behalf, bringing blessing from evil. And he is with us, always - as close as his words in the Bible, as near as his home in our own hearts. (152)
I've learned so much through this special look at the Mary, the mother of Jesus! This will be a book I will continue to look at for years to come! I am so grateful for the author, the timing of the release of the book, and the spiritual blessings it has brought to me! I am grateful to have shared this with my readers, my fellow sisters-in-Christ and mothers in the trenches of life! Thank you:)
Ponder
Your child asks, "Where is God? I can't see him!" How will you answer?
In our family, we like to celebrate Ascension. It falls midweek, and when Easter is later so is Ascension. I like when that happens because then it's easier to be outside on that special day!
We usually have a picnic. Being outside, with the big sky and clouds overhead helps all ages to imagine what that must have been like. But we don't just keep staring up at the sky like the disciples did until their reverie was broken by the words of the angels. We read the Word of God where he promises us that he'll be there. We recall the words he spoke to those disciples that were still wondering what they were supposed to do now. We are reminded of what he wants us to do today!
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| Contemplating their Ascension thoughts:) |
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| Ascension dessert - strawberries on a cloud |
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| One year we each let a balloon go as we prayed for Him to equip us! |
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| Jesus will come back again! |
3 comments:
First of all, a huge "thank you" to author Sarah and book study facilitator Rachel. I have so enjoyed going through this book together with you and all the study participants. This Advent season has been enriched for me personally by sharing and preparing. The Lord bless and keep you in His most abundant grace and bless the continued use of your God-given gifts. Thanks be to God!
As a final comment - If any of you have attended an Advent by Candlelight or similar event this year that used the AbC program based on the same movie as this book, My Son, My Savior you will remember the final narrative from Mary as she reflects on her life and but more importantly on her Son, her Savior's life. If you have not participated in this particular AbC program please allow me to try and share with you the gist of Mary's last narrative. She shares with her listeners that she celebrates Jesus' birthday each year by remembering why He was born, His life, His suffering, dying, rising, and ascending. She remembers how He lived a perfect life in obedience to God's commands for her so she will one day be in heaven with Him. She then invites her listeners to join her as she celebrates by doing the same and adds that we should wait expectantly for Jesus second coming on the Last Day - wait, watch, pray and...Share so others will know and believe in Him and be in heaven, too.
Again, thank you, ALL! Merry Christmas!
Great closing thought, Su!
Rachel, I echo your mom's thank yous. I know that this is a large undertaking and it has truly helped make my Advent and Christmas more meaningful. Thank you so much for your thoughts. I know I didn't participate much this year, but your commentary spoke to me more this year than ever.
God's blessings to you in the new year and I look forward to reading your updates in 2016!
Thanks for your sweet message, Janine:) Praise God that it was able to enrich your celebration a little more!
You and your family have certainly been in our thoughts and prayers. Praying for strength of body and soul in this new year!
God bless you, friend!
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