Mary Did You Know?

I have a friend who is singing this Christmas classic on Sunday. It is one of my favorite songs at Christmas. I like to think of Mary at Christmas about her heart and thoughts regarding bearing the son of God. The magnitude of her responsibility to care, tend and protect this child in the growing up process yet allowing our Father to work through Jesus to exert independence and do His will. I wonder what kind of toddler Jesus was. Did he have the terrible twos stage? How about the pre-teen hormonal years? Did He prop on His chair with Mary and talk about His day when he was a teenager? Jesus was very human but without sin. It is awesome to really think of this.

Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

Many of you are probably wondering why I am focused on Mary during Christmas. I am not. I am acknowledging the reality of Jesus being human and He had a human mother. I am trying to relate to raising "GOD". Mary was a young girl who was seen fit to bear "GOD", our Savior. I would of been so scared. I believe Mary had a very close relationship with our Father and she had to have trusted Him completely. The word says she found favor with God. Wow!

1. Luke 1:27
   to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
   Luke 1:26-28 (in Context) Luke 1 (Whole Chapter)
2. Luke 1:30
   The angel said to her, " Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.
   Luke 1:29-31 (in Context) Luke 1 (Whole Chapter)
3. Luke 1:34
   Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"
   Luke 1:33-35 (in Context) Luke 1 (Whole Chapter)
4. Luke 1:38
   And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

New American Standard Version

Mary had to exercise incredible faith. I like to think on about her devotion to Jesus as her child yet her soon to be Savior. Yet, what about the siblings? She had to have had a special means and touch to assure them of their equality in receiving love? or was it equal? These are things I think about only as a means to reflect on the responsibility I have to raise and disciple children to know Jesus. The Jesus that was truly human and yet truly God. The Jesus who is our savior. I am thankful for our Father's choice for Jesus' mother. She was only a "bondslave" and not worthy of worship, but what an awesome challenge and privilege to bear our Lord!

With privilege came pain as well. She had to witness the persecution and death of her son on the cross. She had to show grace and restraint in order for God's will to be done. Could you? Did she? I had this horrific experience of pain that is only minuscule compared to Mary. Cory was in an Easter play. I was so unprepared. I knew he was playing Jesus. He was a teenager in a man's body. I sat in the front row. I was so proud that "MY" son was playing Jesus. Ladies, I cringed as I saw this "son of mine" drag up the aisle. He was being whipped (acting of course), blood on his robe, and a very convincing look of pain and solemness on his face. I welled up with tears. Now I know you are thinking you "big wuss" but ladies here's the kicker. He had a "real" crown of thorns on his head. It was supposed to be pinned to his hair. However, it was really pushed onto his head. He had blood and scrapes. Real blood! I sat there wanting to disrupt the play, but how could I? He was representing Jesus. He was and is God's child. I didn't like sitting there watching him in pain and being treated so badly. I sat there and felt Mary's pain. I was made humble and I thanked God for His son, Jesus.

"Mary Did You Know"

[Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene]

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

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.

Ladies, have a blessed day. I hope your Christmas preparation includes the magnitude of our Father's Love for Us.
He sent us the GREAT, I AM!
Love Anna