Latest / Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel / [E89] Couple’s Reflection on Christmas, Part 4: Mary's Quiet Courage, Lesson for Wives

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[E89] Couple’s Reflection on Christmas, Part 4: Mary's Quiet Courage, Lesson for Wives · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

• 0:00
  What can we learn from Mary's responses to life's unexpected challenges?
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  Welcome to part four of our Couple's Reflection on Christmas blog series.
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  In today's episode, Annie shares insights specifically for her fellow wives,
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  inspired by the Christmas story as told in both Matthew and Luke.
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  As we explore Mary's reactions to the angel's message and her remarkable faith,
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  let's open our hearts to the lessons that can encourage us in our own journeys
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  as wives and believers. Here's Annie.
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  There are two accounts of Christmas stories that are commonly used in remembering
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  the special celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Matthew 1, verses 18 to 25,
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  and Luke 1, verses 26 to 38.
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  Reading these two portions will give us a good view and understanding of Mary's responses.
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  In today's blog, we'll also consider both, and I'm praying that you,
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  my fellow wife, will be encouraged as much as it encouraged and spoke to me.
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  In the account of Matthew 1, verses 18-25, we can determine two clear points
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  that are significant in Mary's roles. 1.
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  The purpose of marriage and 2. The pregnancy of the promised seed.
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  Although Mary was also declared in the engagement of Joseph,
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  the direction to marriage turned to a deeper purpose when the angels spoke to
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  them about the pregnancy of the virgin.
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  Such purpose is the great importance of this child and how it denotes the significance
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  of their participation until the arrival, the birth.
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  History doesn't really give a comfortable account of a woman being pregnant
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  outside marriage or being engaged in the midst of the battle.
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  As noted in Deuteronomy 20 verse 7, understanding the lifestyle then would give
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  us an idea of how uncomfortable this pregnancy could be not just to Mary but also to Joseph.
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  We've seen this in Matthew 1 verse 19, And Joseph, her husband,
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  being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.
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  Some theology experts commented he deliberately consulted and determined within
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  himself to dismiss her or put her away by giving her a bill of divorce in a private manner,
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  which was sometimes done by putting it into the woman's hand or bosom,
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  as noted in Deuteronomy 24.1.
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  But we've seen how the angel cleared Joseph's discomfort and provide a clear
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  explanation of the pregnancy. as it says in Matthew 1 verse 20.
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  Although Matthew's account gives a good sequential of the story,
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  thus somehow providing an idea of Mary's willingness or should we say calmness
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  to the situation that could put her in a shameful or dangerous condition in the society.
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  We can check Luke's account for more detailed Mary's responses.
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  Below are Mary's responses that resonated with me in the story noted in Matthew 1 verses 18 to 25.
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  One, Mary displayed discomfort from the appearance of the angel,
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  which I find very natural for us women.
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  Well, it could also be truth for men. She was perplexed by the statement,
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  the news that emphasizes the importance of her role, and the kind of salutation
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  given to her by the angel.
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  Favored one, the Lord is with you, as noted in Luke 1, verse 29.
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  Number two, Mary listened despite some puzzling thoughts.
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  Her listening attitude somehow was driven by the encouragement.
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  Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God, as noted in Luke 1 verse 30.
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  Her intent listening resulted in raising a question so she'll further understand
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  her role, as noted in Luke 1 verse 34. 3.
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  Mary declared and honored God's sovereignty, as well as the expression of her
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  obedience to faith, as noted in Luke 1 verse 38.
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  Although it may not be specified in words, we can recognize Mary's calmness.
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  Despite the human nature of a surprise response to an unexpected visit.
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  Matthew Henry made a very profound note. Being conscious of her own innocence,
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  she kept her mind calm and easy and committed her cause to him to death righteously.
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  Note, those who take care to keep a good conscience may cheerfully trust God
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  with the keeping of their good names and have reason to hope that he will clear
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  up and not only their integrity but their honor.
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  May Mary's responses serve as an encouragement to many of us,
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  particularly when facing uncertainties in this life.
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  We may not have similar incident of having an encounter with the angel who can
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  encourage us to make a decision that aligns to God's will and purpose.
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  But our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior allows us to receive
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  His promise, the Holy Spirit, as noted in John 16, verse 7, to help us.
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  We also have good records of God's words, the Bible, that not just details His
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  promises, His attributes, and His works.
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  It also has records of previous witnesses who obeyed Him, most particularly
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  the modeling of Jesus Christ while living here on earth.
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  Yes, we're not used to living a life that recognizes the spiritual realm,
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  but our intentionality to anchor our lives to Jesus Christ could collect experiential
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  learnings and testimonies,
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  our own stories of experiencing not just an angel,
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  but God's presence in our lives.
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  When the time comes that we'll be facing a divine appointment from Him to do
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  certain things that could trigger discomfort and testing of our faith,
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  we can trust Him because we experience an encounter with Him.
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  Before we close, we want to invite you to engage with us and support the Couples'
• 6:24
  Journey blog series podcast.
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  By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your family and friends.
• 6:32
  You're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
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  Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
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  Thank you for being part of this journey, together, we can make a difference.
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  Here's the final part of today's episode.
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  Thank you for joining us for this inspiring discussion in part four of Couples
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  Reflection on Christmas.
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  Annie's reflections remind us of the calmness and faith that can emerge in moments of uncertainty.
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  We hope her insights empower you to trust in God's guidance within your own lives and marriages.
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  Be sure to stay tuned tomorrow for the final part of our series,
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  where Ray will wrap up our reflections with valuable insights for couples as
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  we celebrate this joyous season.
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  Did you know that the first book authored by Ray and Annie, titled Couples'
• 7:25
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• 7:31
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• 7:35
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• 7:42
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• 7:47
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• 7:50
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• 7:59
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• 8:30
  Are you ready to truly live out God's design for your marriage?
• 8:33
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