Since it is Christmas, I thought I would talk a bit about something that has always truly fascinated me… the the story of Mary. Some of my favorite Christmas songs have to do with Mary. “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant, “Mary Did You Know, (my favorite rendition, aside from my beautiful friend, Lyndsay with the voice of an angel, is by Pentatonix” “Here With Us,” by Joy Williams, and “Be Born In Me,” by Francesca Battistelli.
I am a huge fan of music! I just feel the emotions so strongly, and can just imagine what Mary must have gone through during this time. And it usually brings me to big ol’ crocodile tears. Let’s think about some of what she went through with her calling, compare to what God may be calling us to, and put some things into perspective.
Mary was a very young girl. She was betrothed to be married. I remember reading the story of Jesus’s birth and trying to figure out “well, were Mary and Joseph married, or weren’t they?” The Bible says that she was a virgin and they were “pledged to be married.” Then in Matthew 1:19 it says, “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Here’s something I’ve realized about the Bible, and about God. When I come across situations like this, I realize it is an invitation to dig in and learn more! So, after researching, I found that marriages were different back then, and particularly in this part of the world, with the laws and culture. The marriages were arranged by their parents, and they entered into a contract. This contract was a binding agreement and they were considered “married” even before the ceremony. They would remain “betrothed” sometimes up to a year or so, to test the faithfulness of the bride-to-be. So it didn’t really look good that Mary shows up pregnant, obviously!
By law, Mary could have been stoned to death for being found with child before an official wedding ceremony and consummation. Mary knew all of this as the angel, Gabriel, was telling her God’s plan for her. Knowing all of this, I feel panicked for her when I read through her story! Yet, what she says is simply, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 Well alright! Let’s have a baby… the Son of God…no biggie… oh and I’m a virgin. And who will tell my betrothed husband?? Talk about anxiety.
Have you ever felt like God was calling you to do something? I used to think that if God wants you to do something or has some special calling or purpose for you, that meant it would come about easily. Ha! Boy did I have it wrong. I am not saying that He won’t give you grace, favor and help. But easy?? Comfortable? Probably not. Actually, I have found that He pushes you out of your comfort zone so that you will have to fully rely on Him. What a concept.
So back to our girl Mary. Here she is, not technically married. Everyone knows she hasn’t um… consummated the marriage yet, but here she is rocking this super cute (I imagine) baby bump. What in the world would everyone think of her?? One thing I’ve struggled with most of my life is what people think of me. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about me and my motives ever. However, God has shown me that it doesn’t matter what I do or say, but there will simply always be someone that doesn’t like me, or that has a misconception of me. That makes me cringe, but it’s the truth. So I can’t imagine what Mary must have gone through. Imagine her walking through trying to buy bigger garments to make room for that baby bump, hearing the whispers.
Then there’s the journey to Bethlehem. I’m not sure if you have ever grown a baby or not, but let me tell you that it can be one of the most uncomfortable things towards the end. And that’s on a comfortable bed or couch. Even the most comfortable car can make a road trip miserable. Can you even imagine riding a donkey across the sand and rocks? No thank you. As we say in the south, “Bless her heart!” Then once they arrive in Bethlehem, they can’t even get a room? She had to deliver a child in what was basically a barn. Talk about being out of your comfort zone.
In all seriousness, this story really does amaze me. If Mary, a young, pregnant out of wedlock…ish, girl can be obedient to the very important call that God had on her life no matter how it would make her appear to others and how uncomfortable it must have made her, can we try to be obedient to ours? If you feel God pulling you towards something, or maybe even away from something, can you be obedient too? Jesus said we need to be willing to take up our cross and follow Him. Though it is mentioned a few times, I prefer the Luke 9:23 scripture because he adds “daily.” That part is super important to me. Deny myself of my own comforts and ways, and follow Jesus… daily. “Then he said to them all; “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
I’ll end with lyrics to the bridge of one of the songs I mentioned above, “Be Born In Me,” by Francesca Battistelli, as I feel this so strongly myself. Can you sing and mean these lyrics?
“I am not brave.
I’ll never be.
The only thing my heart
can offer is a vacancy
I’m just a girl.
Nothing more.
But I am willing,
I am Yours”
Lord Jesus, Thank you for leaving perfect Paradise to come to this earth in the most fragile form, in the most humble way possible. A tiny infant, born in a stable and laid in a manger used as a feeding trough. All to save us so that we can have relationship with You and spend eternity with You. I am not brave, but rely on your strength and courage. I am your servant. May it be to me as You have said. In Jesus’s precious name I pray, Amen.
JENcouragement 
This is so beautifully written. I struggle with other people not liking me as well and having a misconception of me, so that part really spoke to me. Way to go Mary for being such an awesome example!
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Thank you!!! 💜
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