Mary
Mary was a newly engaged, young teen when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. The angel told her not to be afraid, that she had found favor with God. Then he told her that she would become pregnant and have a son, who would be the long awaited Messiah! I imagine she was feeling totally over whelmed at that point, but her only question was, “How will this be since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34 NIV) Then, after the explanation, “I am the Lords servant...may it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38 NIV) Mary was filled with Joy! How long did it take for her to totally comprehend that whole experience? How long did it take for her to start thinking of the ramifications of what she had agreed to do? While the angel was there I doubt that she was giving much thought to how Joseph, her parents, or the people of Nazareth would accept her news. She just trusted God.
How was Mary feeling by the time she and Joseph left for Bethlehem? Was she scared? How could she not be? She was almost 9 months pregnant and heading away from home, away from her mother and other female relatives who could help her with the birth of her first child. Did riding on a donkey for 70 miles bring on early labor? It doesn’t matter. She was approximately 14 years old and about to give birth in a stable. The next hours would not have been easy. Child birth under the best of circumstances is a painful, messy, humbling, and exhausting experience. These were far from the best circumstances even in that day.
Oh, but what joy she must have felt when she finally held her baby boy! Every parent knows the awe and wonder at the miracle of birth and the over whelming sense of responsibility for the new life. How much more intense must Mary’s feelings have been knowing that she was holding the worlds savior?
Mary was so young, so inexperienced. She had been on a roller coaster of emotions and hormones for 9 months. How did she get through this difficult time? She trusted God!
Margaret Williams
No comments:
Post a Comment