Chosen by God: Becoming Christ’s Holy Presents for the WorldÖrnek

[IMAGE CONTENT] # GOD’S GIFT, MARY’S CHOICE Written by David Byrd, retired CEO & President YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Missouri Amazed! Incredible! Inspiring! Brilliant! It was a sunny afternoon standing with YMCA friends next to the beautiful Catholic Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. We had spent several hours walking through the sacred site where God chose Mary. It was humbling and uplifting to be there. My heart was moved to tears by Mary and all those who have been inspired by her trust, faithfulness, and sacrificial love. What would you have done if you were in Mary’s sandals, going about your daily boring chores and the Angel of the Lord appeared announcing the long-awaited Messiah was going to come through you to save the world? As I remember reflecting in the basilica near the stone house where Mary lived, I can’t help but think that the first words out of my mouth would not have been as trusting as hers. But Mary was willing and excited to participate - suddenly, her life had a whole new meaning! She rushed to her cousin Elizabeth to let her in on what God was doing, dancing and singing of the deliverance coming to their people through Jesus. Mary said, yes, I will sacrifice my plans, I will choose yours, Lord; she set out to be obedient immediately and do what God wanted of her and for her. Above the entrance to the basilica are the words “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” \- and throughout the upper floor are over forty international murals of Mary holding the newborn Word close to her heart. It’s worthy of marking this place as holy ground and remembering that God uses ordinary people like us. God has handcrafted you and me with gifts we can use for each other in our everyday lives at the YMCA, where you work and worship, where you live and serve. We don’t need an angel to appear to know we can be a part of God’s big design for all creation - He tells us in the Word, and He speaks to our hearts if we choose to listen and hold it close. Pray with me: Lord, may I be a humble servant, willing to participate in your calling upon me to be part of your plan to save the world. Please help me to say yes with enthusiasm like Mary! May your gift of holy peace be present to everyone in my life.