Jennifer E. Jackson - A Christmas Heart: The Story of Mary

Copyright 2020 by Jennifer Jackson

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the author.

ISBN: 978-0-5788133-2-5 (e-book)

Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from:
The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV).
Zondervan, 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011.

Other scripture references are from the following sources:
The Message (MSG). NavPress Publishing Group, 1993.
The Passion Translation. Broadstreet Publishing Group, LLC, 2015.

Unless otherwise noted, all recipes are sourced from family
members and published with their permission.
The Sugar Cookie recipe is from:
The Best Sugar Cookies. Recipe. bhg.com.
N.p., n.d. Web. 23 November, 2020.

Edited by Ali Hooper; www.alihooper.com
Cover and interior design by Kreativity Inc.; www.kreativityinc.com

Table of Contents

Dedication

To the four wonderful mothers in my life.

To the all American Grandma, Dollie Godbey. She always made a farm Christmas so special with her homemade apple pie and brown paper bags of penny candy. Most of all, Christmas was always special because of her deep mothering love.

To Hazel Beatrice Bell, Granny Hazel. She spoiled all 12 of us cousins with kisses that filled our cheeks. We filled her country kitchen as she filled us up with homemade everything from the garden, but most of all she filled the hearts of each and every one of us with unconditional love.

To my mother-n-love, Betty Jackson. You taught me numerous invaluable life lessons about prayer, Bible study and being a wife in full time ministry. You deposited in me an appreciation for cleaning, the art of Southern cooking and a passion for pretty things. Im deeply grateful.

To my own beautiful mother, Sherrie Ellen Godbey. You bring me joy, and you have shared the Christmas heart of God with me all my life. You live a life worthy of Him in every way. We love all the same things such as books, writing, flowers, makeup, china dishes, cooking, shopping, worship songs and so much more! I love you, Mom.

Introduction

A CHRISTMAS HEART

The Story of Mary

I dont know about you, but for me, Christmastime is a season full of mixed emotions. There is joy and good will, but there is also pain, grief and heartache. Often we make Christmas about the things of Christmas - the presents, the parties and the picture-perfect photo, adding to the weight of the season. But what if Christmas was actually an opportunity to transform your heart and experience the greatest gift of all? What if, by adopting a Christmas heart, we experienced the highs and lows of the season with deeper faith, richer experiences and greater praise? Its possible. Its possible because your access to a Christmas heart is as simple as connecting with what is already right there: Emmanuel, God with us.

A Christmas heart is not a heart that puts on a happy face and throws more tinsel at the season. Rather a Christmas heart is a heart that longs for Jesus. A Christmas heart finds joy in relationship with Jesus through prayer, worship and praise. A Christmas heart holds tightly to Jesus, our Emmanuel, God with us. He is at the center of everything in our lives.

As the Christmas season unfolds, I dream that you will take time to soak in the scriptures about Mary and Jesus. Dont rush through them, but rather simmer on the Christmas word of God like mulled cider on the stove top. Take time to sit, slow down and enjoy His presence which in turn will bring you great comfort and hope. Christmas is a time of reflection into the heart of the season. My desire is to share a Christmas heart with you by taking a deeper look at the Christmas story through the lens of Gods word. You can read through this devotional a week at a time, saving the final chapter for Christmas Day, or travel at your own pace. Maybe you gather friends to take this journey with you, discussing the scriptures and questions together for richer study. There are no rules. Its your journey to savor.

Each chapter begins with a quick sentence prayer in the hopes of grounding your spirit before you dig into the content. The chapters end with practical steps for application that first include a verse from scripture for memorization, and I encourage you to pray each scripture over your own life. The Words Worth Repeating sections provide statements and themes that are easy to remember. The reflection questions are great journal prompts or discussion points for you to engage in your time with God or with friends. The prayers at the end of each chapter are prayers that Ive prayed over my own life, and I pray them also for you. I hope youll join me in these prayers. Finally, each chapter closes with a favorite holiday recipe that Ive enjoyed with my own family, and I hope you will enjoy with yours. Through this devotional, may Mary come alive as you implement the lessons she teaches. May your life mirror hers, and may your heart soften to Jesus. I pray that you discover Emmanuel through this journey. God was with Mary. He is with me, and He is with you. Living inside of our hearts and guiding us with His Spirit, He is our peace, our hope and our salvation.

This Christmas, may your heart be transformed to reflect Emmanuel: God with us.

Do you believe?

START WITH A QUICK SENTENCE PRAYER

Jesus, I treasure you.

Chapter 1

MARY TREASURED AND PONDERED

M y son Aarons due date was December 27th. For nine months I anticipated a Christmas baby and the joy that would be delivered during an already joy-filled time of year. As the holiday season ramped up, I prepared myself for his arrival. My hospital bag was packed, my Christmas cards were mailed, and the house was decorated. That year we invited family and friends to join us for a Christmas light display and walking tour. While walking, I realized that I was beginning to have contractions, though they were mild. Because my heart was happy and full and because the contractions were not yet significant, I kept going, enjoying the beautiful lights and the wonderful company. With the buttons on my maternity winter coat ready to pop, I breathed in the hope of Christmas air through my red scarf as I merrily waddled along. Nevertheless, the unexpected soon became a reality as my son Aaron decided to arrive nearly two weeks early.

BUT MARY TREASURED UP ALL THESE THINGS AND PONDERED THEM IN HER HEART. Luke 2:19

FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. Matthew 6:21

On December 16th, 1992, my husband and I were together in a hospital room, surrounded by doctors and nurses, as I delivered our 6 pound 1 ounce baby boy. By the grace of God, I might add! We discovered the cord was in a knot, wrapped around his neck, and Aarons early delivery was truly the mercy of God.

Though we were expecting him, Aarons arrival took us by surprise. I have never been so excited in my entire life as I was bringing home that tiny baby just days before Christmas. I dressed him in a cute red and green outfit and placed him under our tree for a photo-op. He was the best gift ever.

Though its been many years since I squeezed into that maternity coat, the memory of that night remains fresh in my mind, and each December I relive the joy of celebrating our sons birthday just days before we celebrate the birth of another son - Marys son, Jesus.