Pondering the Christmas Story – Mary Believed
Welcome to our second post where we are looking closely at the Christmas story. Last time we considered Zacharias’ story. Today, the Angel Gabriel appears again to a young girl named Mary. Despite the consequences, Mary believed and surrendered to God’s plan for her.
Today we are reading Luke 1:26-38 {Click the link or grab your Bible}
This is the part of the Christmas story we are most familiar with. We marvel at the faith of a young girl who is visited by the Angel Gabriel. To hear news she will become pregnant without knowing a man intimately is hard to fathom.
Mary was most likely in her early teens. Betrothals most often occurred at 13-14 years of age. Even more amazing to think of her childlike faith and obedience—she WAS just a child.
The angel says she is favored. That word means “to grace” or honor, especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude (BlueLetterBible.com)
God favored Mary’s heart.
She was chosen to bear the Son of God but not without cost. As you ponder the implications of this in Mary’s life, consider that to be pregnant out of wedlock meant being barred and often death. We will see Joseph’s struggle with this in an upcoming post.
Yet, despite the cost to her socially, economically, spiritually, and as she faced her family and neighbors, she uttered words of trust in reply to the angel.
“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” [Luke 1:38 ESV]
Surrender
A willing obedience to God’s call and purpose for her life. And, doesn’t God ask that of us also?
Believe
Mary believed and and trusted God enough to know that His ways are right.
As you read this story during the coming days in preparation for Christmas, take your time. Talk about each person in the story with your family. Imagine yourselves in their shoes. What are they feeling? What are they facing?
Ponder Time:
List all the implications to Mary as an unwed mother in her culture.
Consider that most people will not believe her story.
What examples of hard obedience can you think of for today? Are people shunned from sharing their beliefs? What has it cost them?
The reality of Mary’s belief brought about the birth of our Savior. I’m not sure how much Mary understood at the beginning. But her role teaches us about following God no matter what the consequences might be.
What are your thoughts today as you ponder our story?
Praying that the richness of the Christmas story will settle over your soul and fill your heart with love for the Savior who was born for us.
Mary believed – Will you? [click to tweet]
