Chosen to Be a Miracle! Advent Plan Based on “The Chosen"Sample

Day 1: I have called you by name

What's your name? This is one of the first questions we can expect people to ask us. In my case, however, it's always been a bit of a difficult question to answer.

Everyone knew me as Lili, but my real name is Mary. Yes, Mary, from Magdala, a small town on the shores of Lake Gennesaret.

The truth is, my name wasn't the only confusing thing in my life. I have vague memories of many times when I felt like I wasn't the one actually in control of my life. Something dark was dominating me, and I could see that even the people around me were frightened by it.

I fought for years against that darkness, but I couldn't take it anymore. I had lost all hope and just wanted to end the pain once and for all.

It was at that very moment that I saw Him for the first time. Jesus had come to meet me. There was something special about Him, but, confused, I still decided to turn away. As I walked away, I heard Him call me "Mary of Magdala." How was it possible that He knew my name? What happened next could not be real: He spoke to me through the Scriptures! He said to me:

"Thus says the Lord who created you, and He who formed you: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine.'" (adapted from Isaiah 43:1, NKJV)

My father used to recite that same passage to me as a child, but when Jesus said it to me, it came alive, as if it were God Himself speaking to me. I could feel the darkness literally flee from my life as He held me in His arms. I had come home.

Now I know that I am a child of God and that He knows me by name.

My name is Mary of Magdala, and I have been chosen by Jesus.

P.S. Dear friend, there may be times in your life when you feel forgotten, confused, or perhaps even lost in the darkness, as Mary did. But in those moments, don't forget: God knows you by name...you are His! With Him by your side, you have nothing to fear. Jesus came into the world to bring us His Light, and His light overcomes the darkness. That's what we celebrate at Christmas! Fill yourself with His light today, and share it with others.

You are Chosen to be a Miracle!
Christian Misch