At Christmas time, we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus and the miracle in which this event was. But behind Jesus’ delivery into this world, we often seem to neglect the lady who gave him physical birth. Mother Mary.
Mary miraculously conceived, carried and birthed Jesus at such a young and innocent age.
Mary wasn’t looking for glory, had status or came from high social class, she simply stepped forward in faith and pure sacrificial obedience. An act of obedience that changed the course of history and salvation of the world. She was chosen by God to birth the biggest prophecy known to man.
“And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.” Luke 1:46-49 CSB
There may be times in our lives that we face trials, trials that we didn’t ask for, didn’t see coming, and yet in faith, we answer like Mary did:
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:37-38 ESV
We move forwards in faith, trusting that God’s plan for our lives is better than our own. Mary didn’t walk the journey alone or unafraid, she had the physical support from Joseph and had the spirit of the Lord with her and within her, both in body and in spirit.
“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30 NIV
There is however, in this story from Luke’s gospel, a contrast between Mary and Elizabeth. Mary was a virgin and young in age whereas Elizabeth was much older; her and her husband Zechariah had longed for a child for years to no avail, feeling like their prayers were unheard and unanswered. This was until Zechariah was greeted by an angel, the same as Mary, to announce their son John. This again, was a miraculous conception. This time of John the Baptist, who was the forerunner to Jesus. John prepared the way for Jesus and his ministry in the world. Bridging the gap between the promises from the Old Testament and these being fulfilled in the New Testament.
There can be times when we feel like our prayers are unheard or unanswered, especially when we pray for years, waiting and hoping with no fruit to show. But we are reminded in Luke 1:45 NIV as Elizabeth says,
”Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Elizabeth could have been so envious of Mary becoming pregnant so easily and at such a young age by the Holy Spirit, when this wasn’t her heart's desires or longing for so many years. She instead, celebrated and invited her in!
This is such a wonderful example for us that even if we are not in the season that we hoped or longed for, we can still come alongside and celebrate others in our life's journey.
God has reminded me lately of the promises that he has spoken over my life, for all that he has done and for how so many of my prayers have already come to fruition. I pray this Christmas time, that we can be reminded of all that God has already done in our lives and still have a HOPE for all that is yet to come! To run alongside and encourage one another on the path, with endurance the race that God has set out for us!
“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
Mary’s life is such a significant one yet not mentioned too often in the Bible. If it wasn’t for Mary, a Mother’s love and sacrifice, we wouldn’t have the most precious gift with us this Christmas time and always. Jesus also known as ‘Emmanuel- God with us’. We thank Mary for bearing her son to this world, who wasn’t fully her own, sent as the greatest gift of all.
Finally, a musical theatre song that I absolutely love called “Christmas Lullaby”- from the Songs of the New World. The lyrics really encapsulate Mary’s journey and the ultimate gift that she brought into the world.
“But in the eyes of heaven, my place is assured. I carry with me heaven’s grand design. Glory, oh, Glory I will sing the name of the Lord and he will make me shine. And I will be like Mother Mary, with a blessing in my soul. And I will give the world my eyes so they can see. And I will be like Mother Mary, with a blessing in my soul. And the future of the world inside of me… And I will be like Mother Mary and I'll suffer any pains. For the future of the world inside of me”
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