The Amazing Christmas Story - Part 2

Quite often the portrayal of Mary is of this young teenager who isn't quite sure what is happening to her. Oh, she knows she's pregnant, but it seems like she is cast as just another character in a story that rightly features the Savior of the world. If you look closely in Luke 1 and 2, you get a glimpse of a very strong and aware young lady, who has spent some quality time thinking and working through her situation. Luke 1:46-55 says: And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." (emphasis mine)

Mary understands that what is happening to her will have multi-generational implications, and that the birth of the Savior is prophetic fulfillment that had its roots in God's promise to Abraham to build a nation that is culminating very soon with the birth of the Savior. How does she stay humble under these circumstances? How does she not start telling everyone that she comes into contact with, that she is going to deliver the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords? Luke 2:19 gives us a clue. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. This verse comes directly after the visit by the shepherds. The word "pondered" means to consider something deeply and thoroughly, mediate, to weigh carefully in the mind. I suspect that in Mary's deep consideration of all the events that were happening, the Holy Spirit helped her keep everything in the proper perspective.

In his book, "God Came Near", Max Lucado has a chapter titled "Twenty-Five Questions For Mary". Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep in your arms? Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world? Twenty five great questions, questions that helped Mary keep the balance between being called "blessed" throughout the generations, and quietly pondering her role in mothering the Savior of the world. More on Mary, and this amazing Christmas story, later...