Mary, Did You Hear?

She was so young when it all began. Betrothed to be married, yet still a teenager. Mary… a woman more to be esteemed than any other in history. “Highly favored by God”, said the angel, Gabriel. But it was no easy task, nor was it glorious, to be the center piece for God’s greatest miracle, the incarnation.

Mary, did you hear what the angel said to you? “You will bear a son, a baby conceived not by Joseph but by the Holy Spirit of Almighty God. The boy will be named Jesus, Savior of your people, but he will come to be known as the Son of God. Believe it, Mary, for nothing is impossible with God.” But how could she believe? Never before had a virgin given birth. She had never heard the Rabbis and teachers speak of Messiah coming in such a way. To whom could she confide when the pregnancy began? Who would believe her? Perhaps, she thought, her aunt, Elizabeth.

Mary, did you hear what Elizabeth said to you? “Mary, Mary, my dear Mary. You are so blessed. But why me? Why am I so favored to have someone so special come to my home, the mother of my Lord?” Oh Aunt Elizabeth. Through tears of joy Mary hugged and rejoiced that someone understood. Someone believed. Someone knew that it was true. Elizabeth’s unborn son leaped for joy in her womb, and that was enough for two women to believe. Mary stayed there until her pregnancy began to show. Just long enough, too, to witness the birth of Elizabeth’s baby, John, who would one day be the forerunner and baptizer of Jesus. Then she went home, to face family and friends. And to tell Joseph.

Mary, did you hear what Joseph said to you? “When you first told me you were pregnant I planned to divorce you quietly. It was impossible to believe, what you told me. But I was not willing to disgrace you, though that is what the law required of me. But while I considered this, I had a dream. God told me the same thing the angel told you. The baby is truly of the Holy Spirit. And God told me to marry you, and not be afraid of what everyone else would think. He told me, too, to name the boy Jesus. I do not understand, but I do believe. This baby, Jesus, will save us all from sin. Mary, I love you. And I believe.” Now there were three who believed. Three pillars of faith. And Mary could only marvel.

Mary, did you hear what the Magi said to you? “We have come from the east, following a most unusual star. It led us to this home, to this child. Your baby is King of the Jews, a Son of the Most High God.” They bowed before the baby, and worshipped. They left precious gifts, too. But it was because of this visit that the young family moved to Egypt, to escape the sword of Herod. What to believe? Must many baby boys be killed, all because Jesus was born? By a dream, another dream, Joseph knew to leave.

Mary, did you hear what Simeon said to you? She went to the temple, in Jerusalem, for her own purification, and for consecration of her firstborn. The Holy Spirit moved Simeon to take a stroll through the outer court, where a woman with a small baby might be found. Finding and recognizing the promised Messiah, only forty days old, he asked to hold the babe in his own arms. “This child will be extraordinary, causing many to stumble and fall, but others to be raised up into glory. He will reveal the very thoughts of men’s hearts. But, my dear Mary, your heart will be pierced, as by a sword, because of this child.” Through all the confusion, the turmoil, and the broken heart times that Mary would endure, she clung to the belief that her son Jesus was truly God’s redemption for mankind. Simeon, along with Anna, so simple yet faithful, were added to Mary’s growing group of believers.

Mary, did you hear what Jesus said to you? There he hangs, on that despicable cross. Disgraced. Humiliated. The lonely road that began with an angel’s visit now seems to end at the edge of a deep, dark precipice. But through his unbearable pain and anguish your son whispered something to you. Mary, did you hear it? “Dear woman, here is your son. John, here is your mother.” Joseph was gone. Her other sons were yet to believe. But here is a new pillar, one who knows and believes. Such love, tending to his mother Mary, while in the very moment, the very climax of the eternal plan of redemption. Such incredible love. Love born in a stable, nurtured in the home of Mary and a simple carpenter, now crucified on a cross.

God’s perfect plan, and the astounding love of Jesus, the only peace for our troubled souls. Do you believe?