I have been reflecting on Christ’s birth in the manger. Commentaries have different views on whether it was in a stable or in a room off the stable or… But, they all agree that Jesus was laid in a food trough for the animals. My grandparents owned a farm and I remember what the food troughs looked like after the animals ate. Suffice to say, not a pretty site. And yet, this is where our Lord laid. As I ponder the filth condition of His birth, I can’t help think of the filth condition of my heart which is where He resides now. Christ in Mark 2:17 tells us that He did come for the clean of heart but for sinners. How appropriate that His birthplace was filthy when you consider He takes residence in our filthy hearts. The good news is that He renews our hearts. He gives us clean hearts. As you reflect on His birth this Christmas season, reflect on His birth in your heart. As James 1:21 (NASB) tells us, “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” Christ is the Word of God that saves the soul.
Mary studied Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate student. While studying she traded semesters working at NASA in Houston, Texas. It was while working at NASA that she felt the tug on her heart that God had another plan for her life. Upon graduation, Mary proceeded to serve as a missionary for the next 11 years of her life; she served in Greece the last two years of her service. Upon returning from Greece, she pursued her Master's degree in Counseling, which led to a job with a major university. It was while working there that God did what God faithfully does, she found herself working as an engineer again as she managed major construction projects for the university. She also pursued her Master's degree in Engineering Management and her Professional Engineering License. Mary now on her ministry and writing. When Mary left missionary service it was her desire to return to fulltime ministry one day. She had her first outline for a book in 1989 (a book she has yet to write). Her first book was published in May, 2014 with the second quickly on its heels in December, 2014. She continues to write and is developing an evangelistic series of books centered around Jesus Christ. Her prayer is that her books will bless others' relationships with our Father God and His word.