Mary’s Christmas

The account of the first Christmas in Luke’s Gospel is Mary’s story.  Of course, it’s ultimately Jesus’ story, but there’s little doubt that Luke’s key source in his careful investigation of the nativity was either Mary or someone very close to her.  It’s told through her eyes, and chronicles her experiences and reactions.

It’s easy to forget how young Mary was. Quite possibly she was only 13 or 14, which would then have been typical marriage ages. Luke records her remarkable journey of faith from the first appearance of the angel Gabriel to the frightening loss of Jesus at Passover time over 12 years later. He misses out, perhaps because they weren’t central to her developing understanding, the awkwardness in her relationship with Joseph before the angel appeared to him, and also the scary flight to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. What is recorded clearly demonstrates Mary’s remarkable faith and her growing spiritual understanding:

• The appearance of Gabriel, where initial fear is followed by a natural question and then a response of submission and faith. Her reaction contrasts sharply with Zechariah’s, even though the miracle she will experience is even more amazing than the one he’s told about
• The visit to Elizabeth, whose pregnancy is revealed by Gabriel as a confirmatory sign. Elizabeth’s often overlooked but spirit-filled affirmation after John leaps in he womb prompts Mary’s song of praise, which in turn shows an intimate understanding of Hannah’s song in I Samuel 2.
• The inconvenient journey to Bethlehem and lack of suitable accommodation there, resulting in Mary having to use a manger as a crib. But again there is confirmation of the divine plan as the shepherds tell of the angel’s message and the heavenly host. Mary adds this to the store of treasured memories.
• The visit to Jerusalem and the joyful responses of Simeon and Anna, but with Simeon introducing the first note of warning of conflict and heartache ahead. This would be something Mary could look back on in troubled times and recognise God’s hand in it all.
• The years of growth and obedience, culminating in that further visit to Jerusalem where Jesus displays a wisdom far beyond his natural years. Another treasured memory for Mary.

What comes across clearly is a young women with a deep devotion to God and a willingness to step forward in faith even when what she’s told seems impossible. And as God honours her faith and provides repeated confirmations, she ponders each revelation and adds it to the memory store that would sustain her in future dark days. How important it is for us too that we keep our eyes open for evidences of God at work in our lives, step forward in obedience as He reveals His will, and build a store of treasured memories that will remain precious to us when times are hard.