Mary, Did You Know?
Around this time of year, you often hear people say to look at this through the eyes of a child. I would say to you - look at these next few days from the eyes of a mother.
My kids and I love Christmas music, and we barely get through Thanksgiving before we are belting out our favorite Christmas tunes. One of my all time favorites is "Mary, Did You Know" and the Pentatonix version is awesome! I believe it is meant to deliver the message of the awesomeness of the birth of Christ and all of the greatness that followed.
As a mother myself, I know my kids love hearing about when they were born. If you have had the joy of being pregnant, then hopefully you can probably recall when you realized you were pregnant for the first time. Maybe a home pregnancy test, maybe your doctor, maybe a wise mom or grandmother who recognized the symptoms. Imagine being Mary, a young teenager, having the angel Gabriel bring her the news. The nervousness and excitement to share with your loved ones but also the total amazement that it was happening. From what I have read, Mary was a pretty level headed, faith filled girl, and the people of this time knew that the Messiah was coming some time, so this was good news. Mary was probably very nervous as well because of all of the unknowns like whether Joseph would accept her as his wife; however, throughout her pregnancy until Jesus' birth, Mary was given reassurances. For instance her visit with her cousin Elizabeth after her visit from the angel Gabriel when Elizabeth greeted her by saying, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb..." Luke 1:42, or when the shepherds showed up in the manger after she delivered Jesus and they tell her of the angel that visited them in the fields, and the good news that, "Today... a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2:11 There were many more reassurances given that her son would do great things.
She was a young mother who wanted the absolute best for her child. She had hopes and dreams for him like we all have for our children, grandchildren, all little ones in our lives. She continued to love and eventually grew to become a follower of her son. I think Mary was probably scared but excited for what the future held for her child like most mothers. You look into those sweet, innocent faces and wonder of the possibilities. What awesome things will they accomplish? How many people will they influence and inspire? I pray every day to have a tiny bit of the grace Mary had as a mother. Continue to count your blessings in your quiet times, and I pray each of you finds that moment of grace in the weeks ahead. Merry Christmas.