BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Heaven’s Plan by Terri Copeland Pearsons I am a traditional kind of girl. I like new things too, but I never stray too far from old-fashioned when it comes to Christmas. I never tire of hearing the same carols that have been around since my childhood, “Silent Night” being a prime example. It just says, “Christmas” like no other. Who doesn’t like the thought of a newborn sleeping peacefully? However, there is a downside to that sweet little lullaby. If the picture portrayed in “Silent Night” actually overrides the entire course of events leading up to the manger scene, we surely will miss so much of the intense and daring faith that preceded it. Let’s look at some verses in Luke and consider them in a realistic way. Righteous and Blameless First is Elizabeth, who became pregnant in her old age, after the word of the Lord came through an angel to her husband, Zacharias. Luke 1:24 tells us she hid herself until Mary came to visit her. Why? Consider her mindset. Elizabeth may have believed, like many religious people of her day, that her barrenness was punishment for failing to satisfy some demand of the Law. It is true there was a curse awaiting those who failed to stay under the umbrella of the Law’s blessing, but verse 6 tells us she was righteous and walked blamelessly in all the commandments. Also consider that only in recent years has pregnancy for someone well into their 50s become socially acceptable, especially if it is a result of medical (or even supernatural) intervention. Other people’s condemnation can transfer shame onto us, even if we would otherwise be happy. So, whether Elizabeth felt guilt or others imposed it on her, shame was most likely her constant companion. But doesn’t the pregnancy fix that problem? Well, only if the pregnancy doesn’t fail. That would be double shame! So fear drove her into seclusion. But that’s not the end of her story. Mary, her cousin, faced a similar situation. First, she is visited by an angel. You would think that would be a positive thing, but not always. As a young child I had a vision and, even though I was careful about who I shared it with, it caused some turmoil for me—even years later. Mary could have argued with the angel as Zacharias did, but instead quickly and boldly accepted the will of the Lord. What faith to believe she could and would become pregnant before being with a man! It was only a short time before everyone would see that she was with child. That’s when the real pressure came. It wasn’t just a matter of facing innuendo and disgrace, but she could be forced into exile—or even face death if she was found to be guilty of sexual unfaithfulness to Joseph. No matter what, she and her unborn child would be “rejected among men.” Mary’s acceptance of the angel’s decree was a life-altering step of faith that had to be walked out through her entire life, until Jesus’ resurrection. 10 : BVOV

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