The Challenge of Mary: A Christmas Devotional

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.” (Luke 1:31-32 NIV)

Mary was very young and not yet married when she was told by an angel that she would become a mother. Later in the Scriptures, we see that Joseph planned to exercise his right to quietly break their betrothal. Not only would Mary be unmarried and pregnant, but she would give birth to God’s Son. Imagine how Mary felt as she faced this daunting and almost unbelievable task.

However, Mary accepted the challenge with faith. She was obedient in a seemingly outrageous situation. That doesn’t mean she wasn’t scared or overwhelmed. She was human. While she was faithful, I am sure she was also very frightened and anxious about what all this would mean for her life.

Christmas today is a time filled with anticipation. Children yearn to open brightly wrapped packages; friends and families look forward to long-awaited get-togethers. Almost everyone looks forward to the special days and treats that signify Christmas.

Before we become overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of our contemporary Christmas, let’s take the time to remember the first one. An ordinary young girl was told she would be the mother of the Savior. I imagine she anticipated his birth twofold: as a mother anxiously awaiting the birth of her child, and as a person anxiously awaiting the long foretold Messiah. Just imagine what that must have been like!

Imagine the faith and fortitude it must have taken for Mary to accept what God was telling her. We can look to Mary as an example of someone living out her faith to the best of her ability.

Now, two thousand years later, how can we live out our faith in our modern world?

First, we need to maintain our focus on Jesus. The holidays can add many more responsibilities to our already crowded plates. As a result, ironically, our time in God’s Word may suffer as we strive to celebrate the perfect Christmas. We need to let Jesus permeate our daily lives, especially at Christmas. Christmas gives Christians the perfect opportunity to share the gospel with others. It provides a natural opening for us to live out our faith in tangible ways.

Just as God was with Mary, he is with us. He will equip us for whatever task he has for us.

Let’s be open, faithful, and obedient to what he wants us to do for him.

Dear Lord, thank you for sending your Son all those years ago to save us. Without him, we are nothing. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your kingdom. Open our hearts to what you would have us accomplish for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:18-19 NIV)

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!’” (Luke 1:41-45 NIV)

Reach for More

During this Christmas season, take time to reflect on that first Christmas and what it means to you. Ponder Mary’s faithfulness to her calling and how you can follow her example. Study the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s birth. Look for a way to share the story of Jesus with someone this Christmas season. It can be as simple as sending a card or baking some cookies.

Dana Herndon is a writer, blogger, and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, paddle board, and sometimes run. She blogs about faith, family, and enjoying the everyday life at danaherndon.com.

Photograph © Gerardo Marrufo, used with permission