For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. -Luke 2:11 (ESV)

A good friend recently shared a wonderful drawing with me, created by Sr. Grace Remington. It gave me goosebumps and had me contemplating its meaning throughout the day. Spend a few moments looking at this picture and recognize the thoughts and feelings it evokes.

There are many significant female characters in the Bible. I had never thought about the connection between Eve, the first woman, and Mary, Jesus’ mother. Genesis 3 so accurately describes our complicity in the fall of humanity, and if we are truly honest with ourselves, we would all make the same decision of Adam and Eve; choosing pride, knowledge, and (perceived) power and authority over an intimate relationship with God. We all need help. We all need a Savior.

What the enemy does in these moments of our disobedience is manipulative, divisive, and often subtle in nature. What else can be expected from the father of lies? Satan ensnares us with his deceptions and creates harm upon harm for humanity. And so we must enlist the help or our Rescuer as we begin the work of deconstructing the lies and untangling ourselves.

This picture beautifully portrays Mary as the messenger of Hope, as she chooses to respond to God’s call, step into humanity and offer a way back to intimate relationship with our Creator.

So much more can be said of this artistic expression, and much is written if you choose to explore that. For our purposes, be encouraged that you are loved beyond your own ability to understand, and much has been done to bring about healing for your heart and alignment with your Father in Heaven.

Recently I was led to revisit Luke 1:46-55, Mary’s Song of Praise:

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

DO NOT FORGET. JESUS CAME FOR YOU.

GOD BLESS YOU THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON.

-Daniel Kail, Trailhead Christian Counseling