When a baby is born into a family there is a joy unlike any other. The immediate family and friends rejoice for and with the parents. There are baby showers, gifts made and given in support and welcoming the new baby.
I wonder how Mary and Joseph must have felt expecting the arrival of Jesus? Did they have support from their families or were they estranged? Was there a true joy and excitement surrounding Jesus’ birth? Probably not.
Have you ever had a baby that was unexpected?
During this Advent season, where we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of the Son, I ponder and wonder about Mary. What were her thoughts during her pregnancy? Did she ever have fear? Or did the Spirit of the Lord fill her to the point where any temptation toward fear, doubt, and anxiety had no effect on her?
Can you imagine what it would have been like for Mary and Joseph, to be the earthly parents to the Savior of the World? Wow, and I thought my job was hard!
I want to share this music video of the song Mary Did You Know because I think it helps us to see that Mary was so much more like us ordinary moms than we realize.
She didn’t know the details surrounding what Jesus’ future would hold. From what we know in the gospel accounts in Scripture, Mary was given limited info concerning the future of her son. She was told what to name him and that He would save His people from their sins.
We don’t know what the future holds for any of our children. They may grow up and grow old, living strong in Christ, or______________. I don’t really want to think about the alternative, but I do know that because of sin, this world and the people in it fall short of the glory of God. We sow and reap, and so will our children. And when people sin, there are consequences; and sometimes those consequences hurt others.
It’s easy when we become pregnant to focus on how our pregnancy effects us, how this child will change our lives, and how it is such a blessing that WE are having another baby.
I’ve had the extra gift of giving birth during the holidays twice now and both times I have been blessed by focusing on the birth of Jesus. When I was pregnant with our third child, this song was so popular and was constantly being played on the radio. One day the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart a truth I hadn’t thought of before.
That this baby’s life was less about me and MORE about God’s plan for her life.
What I mean is, in the midst of doctors fussing over my blood pressure and asking me how I am feeling, God has created another person and He has a plan for their life. His plan may far exceed their few years in my home!
That is exciting and humbling at the same time.
Just as God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, God chose you to be the earthly mother of your children.
Just as God has a plan for your life and He has a personal relationship with you, so does He with your child!
Lord, when we are reminded of the love you have for us by sending your only Son to become flesh, and endure all He did for us, we are humbled. As we watch this video, we see a mother’s joy and delight in her baby, but that road was not an easy one. May those who are pregnant find comfort in knowing that Mary endured hardship gladly in obedience as well. As we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, help us to be truly grateful, reflective, filled with your spirit and mindful of your Word and the blessing that is found in Jesus our Lord.
May we embrace our little ones as Mary did, with joy and gladness in our hearts. May we pray for those who do not know of your love and sacrifice, that they too might one day be in awe and experience the joy and gladness that comes from you on Christmas and throughout the year.Amen
