I sure miss my mentor Ms. Agnes Lee.

 As I pulled out the little inexpensive nativity set once belonging to Ms. Agnes Lee, I was consumed with priceless memories of its owner. Agnes and I met at Pine Haven Baptist Church in 1996. We bonded deeply thereafter. I could unload my heartaches in Agnes’ presence with no fear of judgment or failure. She was longsuffering but, at times, would speak profound words of warning. In a time of great temptation Agnes said, “Lisa, Satan has dug a pit for you and you are about to walk into it”! I was jolted to realization of the enemy’s plans to destroy my testimony. She spoke truth in love. I was not about to fall, but walk into a pit, because, in reality, I was aware of Satan’s deceptive lies.

Agnes and I, along with others, prayed together weekly for years. We talked almost daily, we laughed often, and we shed tears on some occasions. Agnes was fierce in her love for those she esteemed dear. She experienced much heartache in life, yet she pressed on. She modeled the meaning of dedication and perseverance. I will forever hold these meaningful memories in my heart.  

The little nativity also reminds me of Mary who kept memories surrounding the conception and birth of Jesus and pondered them in her heart. Can you imagine her experiences? Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing God’s choice for her to birth His son. This young, highly favored, virgin girl quickly surrendered to the conception of Jesus by the Holy Ghost.

Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth where the Holy Ghost confirmed his plans for these two women in a profound and mighty meeting. John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb as she was filled with the Holy Ghost. Mary burst out in song as she magnified the Lord. She realized she was a lowly handmaiden called blessed by future generations. Mary praised Almighty God for doing great things using her body to birth His plan for mankind. She had much to keep in the crevices of her human heart.  

Mary left Elizabeth three months later. God was faithful as he prepared Joseph and providing a lowly stable and a manger bed as Mary gave birth to Jesus. The angels appeared to the Shepherd’s proclaiming Jesus birth. Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger and the informed shepherds make haste to find him.

Mary stored the shepherds visit in her heart and eight days later marveled at the prophecy of Simeon during Jesus’ naming and circumcision. The memories also remained of finding Jesus teaching in the temple at age twelve as He went about His Father’s business.

Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52).  I imagine Mary did what all mother’s do: prayed, cooked, cleaned and cared for her family while lingering thoughts stayed hid in her heart as she raised God’s only son.

God blessed me with an earthly mentor to hide valuable memories in my heart as I continue through life, but what God did through Mary holds priceless memories for us all!

Christmas is the time to remember Jesus. God became flesh as Jesus left Heaven to be born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus came to do business for His Father God. He submitted to and lived with His parents until His ministry began. He dwelt among sinful men: walking, talking, healing and saving. God’s timing brought the betrayal and arrest of Jesus who was delivered to be crucified. He bled and died giving salvation to all who believe.

Let’s never forget that Christmas is the time to remember the anointed male Messiah who came to dwell among men making a way for us all to be saved from sin.     

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:23