Be There

There's a commercial that uses the slogan, "Wherever you go, be there more."  A look at my Christmas calendar, the be-there events are a bit much.  Luke 2:6 tells us of Joseph and Mary, "While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a manger ..." Mary's part - giving birth and swaddling her child - hardly differs from any mother.  Nonetheless, from the angel's visit and foretelling of to the final hours prior to Jesus' birth, Mary was there - faithful, committed - there. After Jesus' birth, Scripture gives us few details of His mother until Jesus' final moments on earth, at The Cross: "So Jesus, seeing His mother, and the disciple whom He loved (esteemed) standing near said to His mother, '[Dear] woman, look [here is] your son!' Then He said to the disciple (John), 'Look! [here is] your mother [protect and provide for her]!' From that hour the disciple took her into his own home." (John 19:26-27). A lifetime - from cradle to cross - Mary was there! A beautiful picture of love and devotion; such is not limited to a mother. Wherever The Savior is, the follower of Christ must be. Let us be careful to remain close to The Cross this Season. Yes, wherever you are, be There!