Questions I would ask Mary if I could
You were so young to get such news and yet you responded with the faith of a much older and wiser woman. I can’t help but wonder what thoughts went through your mind after the angel disappeared. What does one think in those first moments after receiving news that not only changes your life but the world as well? A baby changes everything for most people but this baby would change the world. I’ve read your story so many times and I have so many questions I would ask you if I could.
How did you find the right words to break the news to your parents? Were you trembling inside when you had to tell Joseph? How did he look at you in that moment? Perhaps you felt an inner peace that let you know all would be ok, but were you at all concerned you might be raising the child alone? Did your heart sing when Joseph told you that the Lord had spoken to him? I wonder if you felt as if part of the weight had been lifted off your shoulders. You would not face this journey alone. Joseph would face it with you.
You knew God would help you, but did it comfort you to know you could lean on Joseph’s shoulders also? Did you share your uncertainties with each other? Did you marvel at the idea of raising the Son of God? When you felt the baby move within you the first time, what thoughts went through your heart? Did Joseph’s face light up with wonder when he felt the baby kick? Each movement you felt within your womb must have been humbling as you pondered being part of something so miraculous.
I must admit, I feel great sympathy for you as I imagine myself beside you on your journey to Bethlehem. I can only imagine the discomfort you must have felt as I reflect on your journey, Mary. Was your back aching and the muscles across your stomach stretching and pulling with every step? Where were you when you felt the first labor pain? Did you long for the relief of a soft bed? What did you think when you entered that stable that night? I wonder if you were confused or were you in so much pain at that point you didn’t care where you were?
That holy night that changed everything
When you held your Son for the first time and looked down into that tiny face, did you, like millions of other mothers, forget the pain you had endured? In that moment, what were you feeling and thinking? What did that tiny little face look like? I wonder what must it have been like to look into the eyes of the Son of God? Did you think of that or were you just a mother holding her precious new baby? How long did you stare at that little face and marvel over the miracle of His birth?
I close my eyes and I can almost see you in that stable. I hold my breath afraid of ruining the magic. I smell the fresh hay, and I hear the sounds of the animals nearby. I see you, face flushed, your brow dampened by sweat, holding that precious bundle. And I realize all of my questions no longer matter. In that moment, the story really comes alive to me, and I am filled with awe at the birth of my Savior. I think of that night and my heart sings with joy as I meditate on what that night meant. His birth brought hope that we still sing about this day.
The Reason for the season
He was born of a virgin and lived a perfect, sinless life. The Babe that Mary carried bore the sins of all the world. He died on the cross and rose to live again. He gives eternal life to all who genuinely repent of their sins and make Him Lord of their lives. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the celebration of the birth of Immanuel, God With Us. Dear heart, Jesus is the Reason for the season, and I hope that you will truly take the time to celebrate Him this year.
Merry Christmas
