“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38
Mary demonstrated humility with her faith-filled response to the angel’s declaration that she was to become pregnant with a son whom she would name Jesus.
Mary’s faith grew as she witnessed the prophecy unfold, endured cultural ridicule and rejection – even at the inn where she was about to have the baby. Unbeknownst to Mary, an angel proclaimed the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds living in a nearby region. After giving birth, Mary watched as the shepherds came to worship her newborn. Mary listened with amazement as she heard Simeon's prophecy on the day she presented Jesus to the Lord, as the law required.
In time, Jesus grew and God empowered Him with wisdom and favor. Once again, Mary witnessed Jesus, the incarnate Saviour, teaching in God’s Holy temple and questioning the religious leaders of the day. Shortly thereafter, the family returned to Nazareth.
Luke then explains, “And his mother (Mary) treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51b) Mary collected memories. She pondered, waited and reflected. We wonder, as we reflect on the lyrics of Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene’s contemporary Christmas song, Mary Did You Know
:
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.
Check CeeLo Green’s rendition of Mary Did You Know? featuring scenes from The Bible miniseries.
Ponder this Christmas. Treasure the gift of Jesus as Mary did…
Lord, give me ears to hear You and eyes that see You afresh this Christmas season. Help me to notice and ponder all of the things You show me. Please help me to not just go through the motions this Christmas but be transformed by what I ponder!
Take Action
Keep a journal this Christmas season and intentionally be alert to sights and sounds – words to familiar Christmas songs, messages on the radio or at church. Write down what you notice – ponder these things in your heart. Ask the Lord to speak to you!
Looking to start a new family tradition this Christmas season? Why not gather your family around you and watch The Bible Series?