“From this time on all generations will count me blessed,” Mary exclaimed after learning that she, an ordinary woman in a humble place, had been chosen by God to carry His Son. And she was right. Especially at Christmas, all around the world we remember and are amazed by the miracle of the virgin Mary conceiving and carrying the Christ child and of the honor and responsibility that went with this miracle. To have God living in her. Can you imagine being chosen for such an honor?

Now stop and consider the miracle we have as believers carrying Christ in our bodies, and not just for nine months, but for as long as we wear these earth suits. Larry pointed out the marvelous connection recently of the miracle of what God did for Mary with the honor of what He has done for Christians.

Ponder these verses:

“If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” (NASB) Romans 8:10

“To whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

And like Mary, with the supreme honor of carrying Christ in us, comes a responsibility. Notice the connection in these verses:

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.” 1 Peter 1:3,4

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

“Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.” Colossians 3:5

“Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” Colossians 1:10

This Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Christ, remember to celebrate the miracle of your own new birth and marvel that you too have been chosen to carry Christ in you!

I’d love to hear from you. What are your thoughts about having Christ live in you?

Finally, I want to share a Christmas song I love. Take a moment and click the link to listen to Go Fish sing It’s About the Cross.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyR0lwO-nXc

Merry Christmas,
Debbie and Larry