MARY, DID YOU KNOW?
“Mary, Did You Know?” is one of my favorite Christmas carols.
According to ancient literature, Mary was likely between thirteen and fifteen when she was betrothed to Joseph.
And then, the unexpected happened. The angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her she would bear a child called the Son of the Most High, who would save His people from their sins.
An obedient Jewish girl, she asked a natural question. “How can this be, seeing I know not a man?”
Mary was a virgin. But the angel assured her that this child would be implanted in her womb by the Holy Spirit.
What Would We Do?
What would you or I do if an angel appeared before us with a message like this? Would we ignore it, or try to rationalize it?
Can you imagine Mary’s amazement? Why, of all people, would she be chosen to carry this precious God-man to birth? And would this responsibility be greater than she could bear?
Her answer gives us an idea.
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled. Be it unto me as you have said; I am the handmaid of the Lord.’”
Little questioning, full obedience. “If God says it, I’ll do it.”
She must have been an obedient child. That kind of faith and unquestioning obedience doesn’t come easily to a rebel. But somehow this girl had learned to trust and obey God.
An Obedient Vessel, or Recipient
Mary was not part of the Triune Godhead. She was simply an obedient vessel, willing to bear the shame of a pregnancy without benefit of marriage, if that’s what God asked of her.
Some of the lyrics of the song say this:
Mary, did you know…that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? …This child that you’ve delivered will soon deliver you.
…Will give sight to a blind man …calm a storm with His hand? …has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God?”
…Did you know your baby boy is Lord of all creation?… will one day rule the nations? That your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb? This sleeping child you’re holding is the Great I Am.
The Great Hope
What a hope! What a promise! What a responsibility to raise this child under the guidance of God!
Try to put yourself in Mary’s shoes. If an angel appeared to you with such a message,
- Would you believe it?
- Would you obey it?
- Would you trust God’s promises for this child come down from heaven and watch His miracles, His doubters, His murderers?
For more read my post, Find Hope at Christmas.
Don and I wish you a joy-filled Christmas!
Dear Carol, Mary did you know, is also one of my favorites. The lyrics touch my soul and that along with the questions you addressed for us to ponder are truly worth looking inward to how we would respond. Thank you.
Thank you Pamela. I think it might have been our discussion of wanting to hear this song that precipitated my thought process in writing this. Have a blessed week!
“O Holy Night” is a favorite of mine. When the words “fall on your knees…” I get misty eyed as I reflect on bowing before the Lord in adoration and praise for Who He Is and what God has done for us, for me.
I had totally forgotten the words to “Mary Did You Know” . WOW! I love them!!!
Thank you Sue. Mom sang “O Holy Night” many Christmases and it is such a meaningful song. I appreciate your reflection as you think on the words. What a day that will be when we bow together before Him in praise and worship. Thank you! I love hearing others’ favorites too.