Highly Favored

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. I love the sweet smell of vanilla sugar cookies baking, the cackle of the fireplace, and cuddling under big, cozy throw blankets. I love family get-togethers, decorating my home, and watching my excited, wonder-filled boys open their presents on Christmas morning. I consider myself blessed

This is also the time of year my thoughts shift to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Bible tells us she was blessed and highly favored of the Lord. It’s easy for us to pause and think, “Yes, she was highly favored, she gave birth to the baby Jesus!” but when we observe her circumstances, it’s a different story. She couldn’t find any room at the inn and gave birth to the Kings of Kings in a lowly stable, filled with the awful stench of farm animals and dirty hay. She likely suffered ridicule from those who had scoffed at the miracle growing inside her; she was with child but not yet married, after all. The circumstances of her life surely didn’t present her as blessed and highly favored!

Sometimes our own circumstances aren’t ideal, either. There may be family trouble, financial struggles, questions of faith… but yet, we too are blessed and highly favored. God loves us and has a plan for us, even when we find ourselves caught in the middle of a mess. Even then, His Word tells us we are worth more than fine jewels, far more than rubies! We are God’s treasure and His heartbeat! We have a priceless heritage and rich inheritance in Him

Jaime is married to Pierre Gibbs, who pastors at New Life Pentecostal Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. She is passionate about nurturing her family, living intentionally, and her morning cup of coffee. She's also Mom to two young sons that keep her busy!