An Ode To Mary

The first chapter of Luke deals specifically with Jesus' birth.  And while the whole narrative is one of awesome majesty and beauty, this article is dedicated one of the primary facets of this wonderful story, that of Mary and her unique involvement in the nativity story.

Consider the scenario from her point of view:

You're a young teenage girl, betrothed to a man.  You're excited about your soon-to-be marriage, looking forward to becoming the wife of a good, godly man.  But one night a stunning angel named Gabriel comes to you and says something incredible.  He tells you that you will give birth to a child, which is a remarkable statement considering that you are still a virgin.  Moreover, when you ask the angel about this he says that the Holy Spirit will come upon you and that the child you conceive will be God's own Son.  Furthermore, this Son will be the Messiah prophesied and promised in the Scriptures.

What would your response be?  Consider the inconvenience, the audacity of God to impregnate you by His Holy Spirit.  Wouldn't you feel at least a little overwhelmed, if not angry with God?

But Mary responds in another way altogether; she utters a song of praise that is perhaps the greatest utterance of worship ever offered.  I highly suggest you find the time to read it this week, to consider Mary's situation as she offers this praise and worship. Spend some time with it this week: Luke 1:46-55.

Matthew 1:20-21–Joseph Learns About Jesus' Parentage

Matthew 1:20-21–"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit, she will bear a son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.'"

While this is not the very beginning of the Christmas story, it is, in some ways, perhaps the most important part.  It is in these verses that Jesus' divine ancestry is conveyed and confirmed to Joseph, the man to whom Mary is betrothed.  Foundational to Christianity is the assertion of the Triune God.  Part and parcel to this affirmation is that Jesus is God incarnate.  He is not merely the best man to ever live, but He is God Himself in the flesh.  As this Advent season begins and Christmas becomes a soon-to-be reality, let us not forget this passage, but even more so, let us not forget what it means!