Advent is traditionally a time for fasting and restraint, but in our world, with all the Christmas treats around during this season, it is easy to add on pounds. Those candies and cookies magically turn into fat all on their own. Without any effort on my part, my body automatically processes the carbohydrates and fats and assigns them a place on my hips!
Is the development of an infant within the womb any less amazing? Without any effort of the mother’s part, the growing child develops arms and legs, tiny fingers and toes. The mother does not have to remind the child, “Let’s work on developing lungs today. Oh, don’t forget ears too. And keep that heart beating!” All these elements happen automatically within the womb, unseen by human eyes.
If Mary had been aware of fetal development, she would have been awed, but even without that knowledge she was…amazed.
Though unable to peer into the confines of the womb, Mary had already seen more than enough to amaze her. An angel had appeared in front of her, her husband Joseph accepted her account about her pregnancy, her elderly cousin had just given birth to a baby, Zecharias could speak again. As she pondered each of these miracles, Mary’s heart pounded with excitement. God was at work!
When is the last time you reminded your own heart to keep beating or you urged your lungs to take a breath? Take a moment and look down at your hands and gaze with awe at how each muscle and nerve and bone fits together to accomplish a purpose. Do you take those things for granted? Or are you amazed? Psalm 139:14 says, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – and how well I know it!”
Our God is awe-some!
