“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:20

There is no need to worry about the outcome, because whatever God starts, He will finish. “That which is in Mary, Joseph, you did not start it.” Even after Joseph woke up, he walked on with Mary for nine months, never consummating the relationship with her. Jesus was conceived and was growing inside of her, and Joseph walked beside her, yet never touched her. What might God be saying? A good principle would be this: Don’t touch things while God is working on them. God does not wait until people reject you to have a place prepared for you. He already had a place. A womb, a manger, and a cave.

Mary spent her life in the background, all the way from the manger to the Calvary’s mountain. At the manger, the light shone on Him. At Calvary, the light disappeared, and Mary stood in the crowd. She stood there as the Law collapsed and fell into the arms of grace and every addiction, curse, and sin lost its grip. Mary is not only distinctive because she was a virgin, or because she bore her baby in a manger, or because she was wise enough to hide her child. Her primary distinction is that she is the only woman in history who had the privilege of carrying her baby twice. The first time, Jesus was in her womb as an embryo. The second time, He was in her womb as a quickening spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, Mary was in the upper room with others. When the spirit of God fell and filled those people, it was a new feeling. It was a new experience for everyone, except Mary. “Wait! I know that kicking in my belly! I have felt it before!” Think about her life for a moment. Mary got pregnant in the presence of God. Mary received direction in the presence of God. Mary gave birth in the presence of God. Her house was filled with the presence of God. And on the Day of Pentecost, God multiplied His presence in the world.

Remember this Christmas season, whatever we release for God’s purpose, He will give it back to us in a multiplied form. Don’t give up on your baby, your dream, your love, or your passion. Give it (or them) to God, for He will return it to you, and the result will blow your mind! It’s what we release to Him that He multiplies.

Love to you all this Christmas,

Brady