They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:14
As presented on *The Lutheran Hour® by Dr. Oswald C. J. Hoffmann, 1961
This passage in the book of Acts is the last authoritative word we have regarding Mary in the Holy Scriptures. Having learned all her life the art of waiting, she waited once again for that reunion with her Son, faithfully promised to all who fall asleep in Jesus.
Mary and Joseph waited for God, and they were not disappointed. God answered their expectation with Christ. Christ, the promised Savior, was born. That's Christmas.
What Mary and Joseph were called to do appeared unspectacular at the time. God called them to care for His Son. Though sinners, they were to be ready and faithful. They did what God expected them to do, and through them God opened a new world to the expectant eyes of men on every continent, of every kindred and tongue and people and nation.
The call to faith in Christ and to do for Christ is not spectacular today. Though sinners, we care for Christ when we do in faith and love what must be done for family and friends, for country and community, when we do it for Christ.
Just two people they were—Mary and Joseph, a maid and a man. They tell us today our God is down to earth. Fulfillment of duty is no meaningless drudgery but the working out of an exciting expectation because He has visited and redeemed His people. He is with us. Christ the Savior has come.
Lord Christ, give us a lively hope with which to wait patiently for the touch of Your leading and guiding hand. By Your coming, Your living and dying, and Your coming to life again, we are heartened to pray in Your name. Amen.
Taken from A Message of Hope: Proclaiming the Promise (selections from messages broadcast on *The Lutheran Hour, celebrating 75 years of proclaiming the promise).
Copyright © 2005 by Lutheran Hour Ministries
*The Lutheran Hour is the longest-running Christian radio broadcast in the world. It is a production of Lutheran Hour Ministries. For more information, visit www.lutheranhour.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 79-80 Revelation 7
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