Nehemiah 12:1-47; Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21
And she (Mary) brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. Luke 2:7
These words describe the introduction of God’s redemptive plan for mankind. It began with the godly submission of a young virgin, Mary, who yielded complete control of her being to the Holy Spirit to introduce Christ to the world, and to be prepared for the shame and disgrace that men would heap upon her in doing so. While Mary’s calling was unique to her, we also in our day should so yield ourselves to the Spirit, to present Christ to the world, no matter the
cost. —Willie H. Burnett
My glorious Victor, Prince divine,
Clasp these surrendered hands in Thine;
At length my will is all Thine own,
Glad vassal of a Saviour’s throne. —Handley C. G. Moule