The Presentation of Jesus with Anna & Simeon: Be Filled with Joy & Led by the Spirit

The JOY of Advent & Christmas #7: The Presentation

The Presentation in the Temple Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648

The Feast of the Presentation

You can be filled with joy and led by the Spirit! Join the podcast today as we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation with Anna and Simeon. These two seniors, guided by the Holy Spirit and filled with joy when they recognized the Savior, will show us how.

Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law

Today, we will discuss these points: (1) Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary follow the Mosaic Law for the presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s purification; (2) the meaning of the presentation and redemption; (3) the humble Blessed Mother offered “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” as prescribed in Leviticus 12:8; (4) although their lives differed, hope-filled seniors Simeon and Anna saw the Lord and had much in common; (5) Simeon prayed the “Nunc Dimittis,” now a canticle in the Liturgy of the Hours; and (6) you too can be led by the Spirit and filled with joy and peace. 

Links

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find Karen’s  books:

The Joy of Advent #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born: Join the Angels & Shepherds in Praise

The Joy of Advent #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born

The Adoration of the Shepherds, painting by Domenico Zampieri, 1610

Jesus Christ is Born

Today, we return to the book of Luke. There, we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile trek to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people who, like them, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus. We will encounter the Angels and Shepherds who have much to share. Connecting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you find more JOY and peace.

No Home for the Creator of Creation

Join us today as we discuss these points: (1) Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the City of David, prophesied over 700 years earlier by the Prophet Micah (Micah 5:1-3). (2) Emperor Caesar Augustus issued a decree requiring a public enrollment of his subjects. (3) Joseph, a descendant of King David, had to travel to Bethlehem because he was of David’s lineage. Mary also went along—she might have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him. (4) Finding no room in an inn, Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World, was born and wrapped tightly in cloth by His Mother Mary, then laid in a manger where animals eat. (5) We join the Angel’s “Gloria” (Luke 2:14-20), named because the first word in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria,” and then visit the Baby in the manger with the shepherds. (6) This is the night to create a “manger” for Jesus in your heart by inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord now and forever.

Bishop Fulton J. Sheen notes: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? …  A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it”(Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24).

Links

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find Karen’s  books:

The Joy of Advent #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary as His Wife & Joyfully Embraces God’s Plans

Joseph Dreams, Takes Mary as His Wife & Joyfully Embraces God’s Plans

The Dream of St. Joseph, Painting by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1773

Joseph’s Dream from God to Take Mary as His Wife

Today, we turn to Matthew’s Gospel and hear about Joseph’s dream to take Mary as his wife, and how he joyfully embraced God’s plan. Mary and Joseph often changed their plans  as they listened to God. They serve as an example to us of how to trust in God’s plan rather than our own. Join the podcast today as we learn about an angel sent to Joseph in a dream and discover how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!

The Family Record & Embracing God’s Plans

Today, we will discuss these points: (1) the genealogical record or family tree, of Jesus through Joseph, (2) how Jewish lineages around the time of Christ often did not include women’s names, but Christ’s ancestry in Matthew mentions five women, (3) Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba were four women in Christ’s lineage who turned from sin or idolatry to God, (4) Joseph’s dream involving communication from an angel and his response to embrace God’s plans, and (5) how we can trust in God’s plan. 

Links

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find Karen’s  books:

The Joy of Advent #4 ~ Joy at the Birth of John the Baptist & Zechariah’s Benedictus

The Joy of Advent #4 - The Birth of John the Baptist

The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is ‘John’.” Painting by Jacopo Pontormo, 1526, USA

Celebration at Zechariah’s Home and Naming of the Baby

The Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s time to name his newborn boy and perform the baby’s circumcision. You can imagine yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old couple, the priest Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this: “The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Shockingly, Zechariah has been muted since the last time he served in the temple. I wonder if he will ever recover his speech.”

Zechariah’s tongue is freed

Today, we will cover these points: (1) John’s circumcision, (2) the neighbors choosing the name Zechariah to honor his father, (3) Zechariah wrote, “his name is John” and immediately, his tongue was freed, (4) Zechariah praises God for the promises that will be fulfilled  in His son John and the coming of the Messiah, and (5) we can pray the Benedictus with joy every day of Advent.

Links

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find Karen’s  books:

The Joy of Advent #3 ~ Filled with JOY: The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

Filled with JOY: The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

The Visitation Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1643-1648

The Visitation of Mary & Sharing Joy with Elizabeth

Do you need more JOY  in your life this Advent? Today, Mary and Elizabeth will show you how to share and receive more joy.

In this podcast, we join Blessed Mary on her journey from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. There she visits her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, celebrating the upcoming births, and excited to see each other. Previously, we read that God supernaturally conceived His Son Jesus in the Virgin Mary and granted a child to be born to old Zechariah and Elizabeth. “For nothing is impossible with God!”

Today, we cover these inspiring events: (1) John the Baptist leaps for joy, (2) Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaims words of great joy, (3) Mary praises and skips with joy in the Magnificat Canticle, (4) and the two share joy-filled fellowship around stories of Gabriel and Scriptural promises about to be fulfilled with their sons, including Jesus, the Messiah.

Links

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find Karen’s  books:

The JOY of Advent #2 ~ The Annunciation of Mary: With God, Nothing is Impossible

The Joy of Advent - Gabriel Announces, Nothing is Impossible with God

The Joy of Advent – Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary & Nothing is Impossible with God

The Annunciation and Nothing is Impossible with God

With God, nothing is impossible! If God can supernaturally conceive the Son of God in a virgin and grant a child to an elderly couple, then He can make your impossible become POSSIBLE. Join us today as we travel to Nazareth. We will hear the Great Annunciation of JOY to Mary as well as Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. “For nothing is impossible with God.”  The episode is based on my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

Another Message from Gabriel and Mary’s Fiat

Today, we will cover these points from Luke 1: 25-38: (1) The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second annunciation– this time to a young girl in Nazareth, (2) The Baby would be named Jesus, [Yeshua in Hebrew] after His Heavenly Father [Yahweh God in Hebrew], (3) Mary’s Fiat [Latin for Let it Be],  (4) The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind, and (5) Mary’s example shows us to Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.

Links

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find Karen’s  books:

Mary Mother of Jesus (Special Replay)

Mary Mother of Jesus | Mary, Mother of Jesus is known throughout humanity, nations and time. We can learn so much from her! Most Christians know her name and read about her in the Bible. | #podcast #christianpodcast #MadonnaMary Mother of Jesus – Episode 97

Mary, Mother of Jesus is known throughout humanity, nations and time. We can learn so much from her! Most Christians know her name and read about her in the Bible. She receives a staring role in the New Testament that begins with humble roots, becomes elevated by her, “Yes,” to the Angel, Gabrielle – the spokesperson for Almighty God and culminates in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Why are we discussing Mary – as I record this it isn’t anywhere near Christmas when people consider Mary’s part in redemption history as they set out a Nativity scene perhaps to commemorate the birth of Christ. Yet, I believe that Mary is more than that and we need to take a closer look. She is a kindred spirit. She suffered as we suffer, she felt compassion, loved, trusted God and she is our example.

Mary is known by many names, she is known as Mary Mother of Jesus, she is known as the Virgin Mary, as Theotokos in Greek  -Mary Mother of Jesus or in Easter Christianity and the Latin translation is Mother of God or God’bearer

Yet, while the Bible talks so little of Mary. We know her by her attributes:

  • She was a willing servant
  • She trusted God
  • Mary Obeyed God’s call
  • Mary had great suffering in her life

Can you imagine being a poor girl and learning that you were chosen by God for a great task? As a young Jewish girl, Mary must have learned as all the children did that they were awaiting a Messiah, a Savior to free them from Roman rule. She learned the Old Testament and she must have known about Isaiah and the prediction that a young virgin would bear a son, and he would be named Emmanuel which means God with us. Read all of Isiah 7 but the verse I will read to you is at follows and begins in verse 10-15

Emmanuel – God is With Us: Isiah 7: 10-15

When Mary was approached by the angel she didn’t say – “I’m sorry you’ve got the wrong person, didn’t you take a wrong turn at a castle somewhere?” No – she said, “Let it be done to me according to your Word.” She said yes.

How often do we feel like God asks us to do something and we are conflicted. As I’ve shared with you its happened to me often. Yet, Mary was from a poor and humble family. Luke 1:38

The Infancy Narrative is in the Scriptures and you can read the entire verses in Luke 1:1-50 read this in your Bible and think about the words and what they mean. How can you apply this to your life? Luke 1:26-45 especially announces the birth of Jesus to Mary by the angel Gabriel. He was sent by God, and Mary humble servant said, “Yes.” She then visited her cousin Elizabeth. She was unselfish. And the visit turned out to be a blessing when Elizabeth greeted Mary. “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:42)

Mary Filled with the Holy Spirit:

Responded with, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Luke 1:46-47  Mary needed a Savior, and her son was the Savior.

For many of us these verses are so familiar and if they are not for you – go back and revisit them, take your time, journal about them. While they are often read around Christmastime, it is so important we take time now to study them now.

God sent His Son for us – and God picked a humble lady.

Now, Joseph’s lineage we read is from the house of David with a direct lineage to Abraham, this is very important and not the topic of today’s podcast. However, know that because of prophecy and the fulfillment of prophecy

First known miracle -wedding feast of Cana – do what he tells you.
Mary reminds us that Jesus serves our needs – but we must be obedient to Him.

She was present in the days before Pentecost and she was there at the foot of the cross

A woman of great courage and self-giving – went to visit Elizabeth to help her!

Isaiah 7:14 speaks of the Virgin Mother of Emmanuel

“Virgin-Mother of Emmanuel”: “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel.”

Emmanuel means God with us

The child – Jesus, would be a

Luke 1:46-49 – My soul magnifies the Lord …

Greatest of all saints – chosen by God, prepared by God to be the mother of his son – His divinity at the Council of Nicea was determined by defining his mother. Was Jesus half man and half God – God his human form from May and his Divinity from God or was he fully man and God – all as one?

Mary was called Mother of God

Mary was immaculate by an act of God at the time she was conceived so that she would be sinless and therefore a worthy vessel

God gave Mary so many wonderful attributes of Grace
She is the symbol of hope, obedience, and pointing us constantly to her son – do what he tells you. Her life is a witness to the Glory of Jesus

Is Mary Mother of Jesus a Kindred Spirit?

Image Attribution:
Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato – http://www.bridgemanartondemand.com/art/104827/The_Madonna_in_Sorrow

Glorious Encounters with Mary; A Guide to Living the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

Meet our Author

Maria V. Gallagher is an author, advocate, speaker, and life coach. Her latest book is Glorious Encounters with Mary: A Guide to Living the Mysteries of the Rosary. Her other books include Mercy’s Power and Joyful Encounters with Mary. Maria previously worked as an award-winning radio reporter and television news producer. She is a member of the worldwide Cursillo Movement, the mother of one beautiful ballerina, and a mentor to many. Her books are available from Marian Press at Shop Mercy.

My Key Take-a Ways

  • Mary is a sign of hope
  • turn to Mary in times of need and she will help you
  • look for her intercession and thank her and God for it
  • write those “Mary Moments” down
  • focus less on the cross and more on the blessings
  • Our Lady Undoer of Knots wants to smooth out the ribbon of our life

 

 

Learn more about Maria

Her Website
Instagram

 

This week, uncover the “Mary Moments” in your life and write them down!

Contact Deanna here to learn about speaking for your parish or group!

 

Seeking Consolation and JOY? Join Anna & Simeon at the Presentation – A JOY-Filled Advent & Christmas #7

A Joy-Filled Advent and Christmas with Anna & Simeon

The Presentation in the Temple, Philippe de Champaigne. 1648; Join Simeon & Anna at the Presentation of Jesus

Seeking Consolation and JOY? Ann and Simeon Show Us the Way.

Are you seeking consolation or more joy? Join us today at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, where Anna and Simeon show us JOY. They offer us ten ways the Holy Spirit can help YOU.

Off to the Temple

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There Anna and Simeon will join us at this very special event as we cover the following points:

Circumcised, Redeemed, and Purified (Luke 2: 21-23)

  • At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth
  • The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision.
  • Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves- the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20).

Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law (Luke 2: 23-24)

  • Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth,  Joseph and Mary again follow the Mosaic Law for the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said He came to “fulfill the law,” which begins at His birth.
  • For Mary’s Purification, the sweet Blessed Mother of humble means offers “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” which Leviticus 12: 8 prescribed for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer.

The Presentation or Redemption of Jesus (Luke 2: 25-38)

  • This “redemption of the firstborn” meant that the parents redeemed Jesus or bought Him back from God. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross?
  • The Catholic Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year.

Simeon & Anna

Although their lives differed, Simeon and Anna had much in common.

  1. Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith, and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times.
  2. Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation:  It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).  
  3. Both knew the Scriptures.
  4. Both believed in the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. Bible scholars and theologians say Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies.
  5. Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope.
  6. Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God than to the news of the day. That brought consolation.
  7. The Spirit of God guided both.
  8. Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah.
  9. Both received Jesus and were changed.
  10. Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit, and they shared it.

Simeon’s Prayer – The Nunc Dimittis Reflects Isaiah’s Prophecies (Luke 2: 29-32)

  • Simeon’s prayer is one of the Church’s great prayers, or canticles (little songs). It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which means “now dismiss your servant.” In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me, Lord; I have seen the Savior.”
  • Every evening, all priests, religious, and laypeople who pray the Liturgy of the Hours pray the Nunc Dimittis prayer.
  • Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30.

Our Response

  • Why not spend some time with these verses? Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did.
    • Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness.
    • In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. He has come for YOU. You can’t help but be consoled.
    • Then like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You peace, as John 15 says, Peace I give you, but not as the world gives. He has come to give the world peace as Luke 2: 14 says, Peace on earth, good will toward to men.  He has come to give you His love.

Remember Lamentations 3:22-25. (ESV) … His mercies are fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.

Links

Join me for my next podcast series, starting in February: Esther for this time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this next one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.  Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

 

Fiat & Surrender

Mary’s Fiat

Such a simple word that changed the world for all of us. Fiat, yes, I will. It was surrender and trust. Surrender to the world and absolute trust in God. It’s what we all say we want; the idea of total surrender; “thy will be done.” But we are afraid. What will people think? What if I suffer? Or maybe, I’ll suffer, Lord, this way not that.

Mary’s yes was to bring Jesus into the world in an ordinary way after a most extraordinary encounter. She lived an ordinary life, daughter, mother, cousin, wife – in the most radical of ways. In total surrender to God which gave her strength. We may view surrender as weakness, but when we surrender to the One who made us, it is not weakness. We are afraid to surrender because we are locked in our own weakness. We are afraid. “There is only one cure for fear – trust in God.”

The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander

I’m reflecting on the chapter, Fiat. This chapter is full of observations on what Mary said yes to and how she surrendered. It also gives insight into why we struggle with doing the same.

A few quotes:

  • There is only one cure for fear – trust in God.
  • We are afraid for ourselves, but a thousand times more afraid for those we love.
  • God asks for extreme courage in love; the Bride of the Spirit must respond with strength like Hos own strength. Our Lady did this.

 

Find a container of some sort, a box, an envelope, something you can open and close; then some small pieces of paper – now, write down your worries, concerns, struggles, fold them and pout them in the box. Give them to God. Trust and surrender to what he wants the outcome to be, let him deal with it all.

 

Fly to Mary

Mary is our Mother who loves us and wants to help us. Ever since I was a little girl I have prayed this very special prayer asking for Mary to intercede, The Memorare. The image of prayers flying up to her in heaven where she then offers them to Jesus for me is very hopeful.

It is a prayer of trust in a mother who will never let us down, always listening to us and helping us.

St. Teresa of Calcutta had a special devotion to Mary and prayed this same prayer often, calling it her “Flying Novena.” She would pray 9 Memorares and then 1 more in thanksgiving for the answer. The Missionaries of Charity use it often. I have as well and by the end, either I have an answer, I am calm or the situation has resolved itself. All great outcomes!

I encourage you to pray this prayer and go to Mary and ask for her help.

And that’s the Not Lukewarm Challenge for the week.

 

If you have a chance, leave a review wherever you listen to this podcast. Then, drop me a comment and I’ll send you some encouraging scripture images. You can also sign up for my newsletter and I’ll do the same.

Our Lady wants to help untie the knots of our life

Mary, the Blessed Mother, mother of Jesus and our mother too wants to help us always. We can turn to her in prayer and ask for help.

A recently re-discovered title of Mary is Mary Undoer or Untier of Knots. It is a famous painting in Augsburg, Germany. Pope Francis, when he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aries, saw the image and popularized it and wrote a prayer in honor of it. Johann Melchior Georg Schmittdner painted Mary Undoer of Knots with great grace. Since 1700, his painting has been venerated in the Church of St. Peter in Perlack, Augsburg, Germany. It was originally inspired by a meditation of Saint Irenaeus (Bishop of Lyon and martyred in 202) making a comparison between Eve and Mary, saying:“Eve, by her disobedience, tied the knot of disgrace for the human race; whereas Mary, by her obedience, undid it”.

File:Mary-Untier-of-Knots-1.jpg

Here is the prayer from Pope Francis:

Holy Mary, full of God’s presence during the days of your life,
you accepted with full humility the Father’s will,
and the Devil was never capable to tie you around with his confusion
Once with your Son you interceded for our difficulties,
and, full of kindness and patience you gave us example of how to untie the knots of our life.
And by remaining forever Our Mother,
you put in order and make more clear the ties that link us to the Lord.
Holy Mother, Mother of God, and our Mother,
to you, who untie with motherly heart the knots of our life, we pray to you to receive in your hands (the name of person) and to free him/her of the knots and confusion with which our enemy attacks.
Through your grace, your intercession, and your example,
deliver us from all evil, Our Lady, and untie the knots that prevent us from being united with God,
so that we, free from sin and error, may find Him in all things, may have our hearts placed in Him and may serve Him always in our brothers and sisters. Amen.
If you’d like to pray the full novena, you can look here.
the not lukewarm challengePray this every day for a specific intention. Put your needs into the hands of Mary.
If you leave a review, let me know(deannabartalini(at)mediaangels(dot)com and I’ll email you a set of beautiful scripture quotes!

Mary Mother of Jesus

Mary Mother of Jesus | Mary, Mother of Jesus is known throughout humanity, nations and time. We can learn so much from her! Most Christians know her name and read about her in the Bible. | #podcast #christianpodcast #MadonnaMary Mother of Jesus – Episode 97

Mary, Mother of Jesus is known throughout humanity, nations and time. We can learn so much from her! Most Christians know her name and read about her in the Bible. She receives a staring role in the New Testament that begins with humble roots, becomes elevated by her, “Yes,” to the Angel, Gabrielle – the spokesperson for Almighty God and culminates in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thanks to our sponsor, Bridgestone Academy.  Learn more information at HomeschoolAcademy.com

Why are we discussing Mary – as I record this it isn’t anywhere near Christmas when people consider Mary’s part in redemption history as they set out a Nativity scene perhaps to commemorate the birth of Christ. Yet, I believe that Mary is more than that and we need to take a closer look. She is a kindred spirit. She suffered as we suffer, she felt compassion, loved, trusted God and she is our example.

Mary is known by many names, she is known as Mary Mother of Jesus, she is known as the Virgin Mary, as Theotokos in Greek  -Mary Mother of Jesus or in Easter Christianity and the Latin translation is Mother of God or God’bearer

Yet, while the Bible talks so little of Mary. We know her by her attributes:

  • She was a willing servant
  • She trusted God
  • Mary Obeyed God’s call
  • Mary had great suffering in her life

Can you imagine being a poor girl and learning that you were chosen by God for a great task? As a young Jewish girl, Mary must have learned as all the children did that they were awaiting a Messiah, a Savior to free them from Roman rule. She learned the Old Testament and she must have known about Isaiah and the prediction that a young virgin would bear a son, and he would be named Emmanuel which means God with us. Read all of Isiah 7 but the verse I will read to you is at follows and begins in verse 10-15

Emmanuel – God is With Us: Isiah 7: 10-15

When Mary was approached by the angel she didn’t say – “I’m sorry you’ve got the wrong person, didn’t you take a wrong turn at a castle somewhere?” No – she said, “Let it be done to me according to your Word.” She said yes.

How often do we feel like God asks us to do something and we are conflicted. As I’ve shared with you its happened to me often. Yet, Mary was from a poor and humble family. Luke 1:38

The Infancy Narrative is in the Scriptures and you can read the entire verses in Luke 1:1-50 read this in your Bible and think about the words and what they mean. How can you apply this to your life? Luke 1:26-45 especially announces the birth of Jesus to Mary by the angel Gabriel. He was sent by God, and Mary humble servant said, “Yes.” She then visited her cousin Elizabeth. She was unselfish. And the visit turned out to be a blessing when Elizabeth greeted Mary. “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:42)

Mary Filled with the Holy Spirit: Responded with, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Luke 1:46-47  Mary needed a Savior, and her son was the Savior.

For many of us these verses are so familiar and if they are not for you – go back and revisit them, take your time, journal about them. While they are often read around Christmastime, it is so important we take time now to study them now.

God sent His Son for us – and God picked a humble lady. Now, Joseph’s lineage we read is from the house of David with a direct lineage to Abraham, this is very important and not the topic of today’s podcast. However, know that because of prophecy and the fulfillment of prophecy

First known miracle -wedding feast of Cana – do what he tells you.
Mary reminds us that Jesus serves our needs – but we must be obedient to Him.

She was present in the days before Pentecost and she was there at the foot of the cross

A woman of great courage and self-giving – went to visit Elizabeth to help her!

Isaiah 7:14 speaks of the Virgin Mother of Emmanuel
“Virgin-Mother of Emmanuel”: “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel.”

Emmanuel means God with us

The child – Jesus, would be a

Luke 1:46-49 – My soul magnifies the Lord …

Greatest of all saints – chosen by God, prepared by God to be the mother of his son – His divinity at the Council of Nicea was determined by defining his mother. Was Jesus half man and half God – God his human form from May and his Divinity from God or was he fully man and God – all as one?
Mary was called Mother of God –

Mary was immaculate by an act of God at the time she was conceived so that she would be sinless and therefore a worthy vessel

God gave Mary so many wonderful attributes of Grace
She is the symbol of hope, obedience, and pointing us constantly to her son – do what he tells you. Her life is a witness to the Glory of Jesus

Is Mary Mother of Jesus a Kindred Spirit?

Image Attribution:
Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato – http://www.bridgemanartondemand.com/art/104827/The_Madonna_in_Sorrow