The first Christmas was announced by the angel Gabriel to Mary. He told her of God’s favor upon her because God would bring his Son into the world through her humble body. The Son of the Most High God, in fact, God Himself would be born of this lowly virgin girl.

Scared and afraid, Mary nonetheless sang this prayer to her God:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me–holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Now take a look at this part again: He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

This Christmas, Americans (the richest people on earth) are projected to spend $447 billion on gifts to celebrate a Savior who was born in a manger. And sadly, many will find nothing but emptiness in all those pretty wrapped boxes. We Americans, the “rich” will emerge from the presents of Christmas day “empty.”

But we don’t have to.

So how can we have a “Mary” Christmas in 2010?

REMEMBER THE REASON
First, remember that Christmas is God’s gift of Jesus to us. Jesus’ advent is the hinge upon which the rest of the world’s history swings. Because Jesus has entered the world–as a gift to us–we have hope that our own messed up stories can be re-written. No one who accepts that gift will be sent away empty.

RECOUNT YOUR BLESSING
Second, recount God’s gifts to you in thankful prayer. Mary’s prayer have brought believers to tears for thousands of years. This simple Jewish girl thanks God for the great things He has done for her. She acknowledges that God is the source of all goodness, holiness, and power. She leans deeply into the understanding that God is her provider. No earthly ruler and no amount of riches compares to the Most High God! Like Mary, compose your own “song of praise and thankfulness” to God for what He has done–even in these times of great economic stress. We in America are blessed to overflowing.

RESPOND TO GOD’S GIFT
Third, respond to God’s gift, by giving it away to those who need it most. It is still ‘more blessed to give than receive. Mary praises God for “filling the hungry with good things.” Yet, over 1 billion people are hungry and malnourished. One way to respond to God’s gift is to bring good things to the hungry and the poor. One way to do this is through the HopeChest Change Their Story campaign. We give you the tools to raise money on behalf of hungry orphans around the world. Will you share your Christmas?

Having a “Mary” Christmas isn’t difficult. But it does mean we have to take the focus off of ourselves, our gifts, and our stuff. We have to turn our great riches into things like food for hungry kids and protection for those who are abused.  Change Their Story is just one way you can accomplish that. But there are many many more.

I hope you and all your family and friends have a “Mary” Christmas by remembering the reason, recounting your blessings, and responding to God’s gifts through an effort like Change Their Story.

Merry–or–Mary Christmas!