Say “Yes” at Christmas

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38).

And Mary said, “Yes” when the angel came, not knowing all it would mean. For “yes” was only the beginning. “Yes” to giving birth in a cold, dark stable while cows and sheep looked on. “Yes” to a sword that pierced her soul as her Son died on a cross while she looked on. And Mary said, “Yes, let it be.”

But do I? Do I say “yes” when God calls to me? Oh, not through an angel who comes in the night, but maybe a pastor who asks if I’ll lead a Sunday school class or a former friend who calls to mend our broken relationship or a stranger who wonders if I might spare some change for food.

And for a moment, as I ponder what to say, does God’s purpose flicker like a flame in a sudden breeze, to be snuffed out by “no,” or to burn even brighter with the power of “yes”?

For “yes” is only a beginning.

“Yes,” I will give my time to sharing God’s Word.

“Yes,” I will end a quarrel by forgiving another and myself.

“Yes,” I will share what I have with one in need.

Somehow, I know that even to the small questions, God needs to hear my “yes” as much as He needs to hear Mary’s. Perhaps that is why Jesus came to the world as a baby—a baby full of questions, needs, and desires. When He asks to come into my heart this Christmas, will I say, “Yes”?