And we think we have had a rough year! Today we focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus, depicted in nativity scenes with bended knee looking adoringly at Jesus, while in other nativity depictions Jesus is relocated into Mary’s arms. Either way, Mary loves her son and treasures the moments with him, like she has treasured all the events leading up to the birth and beyond. She knew that through it all, God has blessed Mary in being a part of salvation history, giving birth to the one who would bring salvation to the whosoever.
Certainly, she experienced highs and lows, excitement and pain, and everything that comes with daily uncertainties, but she held dear to the promises given her from the heavenly messenger Gabriel. These are the words recorded in the gospel according to Luke, ‘Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you… Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end,’ (Luke 1:28, 30-33). Knowing Jesus would be the King, and his kingdom would have no end, gave hope that no matter what happens will be fulfilled and she did not need to be afraid.
Mary didn’t need to fear being sent away and divorced. She didn’t need to fear the journey to Bethlehem. She could have courage giving birth. She could treasure the visiting shepherds and be amazed when approached by a prophet, Simeon, and prophetess, Anna, in the Temple. She be amazed at the visits from Magi from the east and she would trust Joseph in fleeing to Egypt. She had quite a year, yet her faith and trust in God gave her confidence. She probably recounted the words often, ‘Mary, do not be afraid, you have found favor with God.’
In Mary’s song, the Magnificat found in Luke 1:46-55, we find Mary addressing herself as being of a humble state and yet blessed for all generations. Mary was an everyday person, not born into privilege, but raised to love the Lord her God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. She was available to God, willing to be used by God, and said ‘Yes’ to God for His will to be accomplished.
Today do we have the same conviction to say ‘Yes’ to God for His will to be done? Are we available or only at certain times after we have done what we want? Are we willing to be used by God, or only if His desires match ours? Do we have the confidence to believe, not fear, and say ‘Yes’ to God? We will never be called to be a Mary, but we may be called to Go and preach, Go and offer the ministry of presence, or Go and help those who are hurting, lonely, hungry and afraid. Mary was of a lowly state and used by God, while many times in our society we look at the lowly, the marginalized, the overlooked individuals as if they are only charity cases, and yet remember what God can do through them (and us). Do not fear, God has found favor on you – He saved you. Now let us minister and uplift others in society introducing them to our Lord so they too can say ‘Yes’ to God’s will, and we can ponder God’s grace working in our hearts.
Listen to “Mary Did You Know” and join us on Christmas Dad as we celebrate Jesus, the new born King.