Finding Her Place

Did you know that the last time we see Mary, the mother of Jesus is in the book of Acts? They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. ~Acts 1:14

"With this brief reference to Mary we realize that neither the sword that threatened her nor her own inability to understand Jesus prevented her from being one of those gathered in the upper room. These are the faithful ones, continuing to hold on to the promises of God. Obedient to the word of Christ. Mary, who began in Luke's gospel as a servant, appears here also as a disciple. This is the last we see or hear of Mary in the history of the church, but she is the only person who is present both at the prologue of the gospel and the prologue of the church."

Scars

These last few weeks, we have been looking at the birth and life of Jesus through the eyes of his mother Mary. In the Gospels, the last place we find Mary in the life of her son Jesus was at his cross. I can only imagine her heartache at that moment.

Treasuring the Wonders of God (part 2)

I began these Advent reflections as a way to witness the birth of Christ from a unique perspective. Divinely called and uniquely gifted, Mary gives us a front row seat to the most spectacular birth on record. Indeed, she was the only person who witnessed the life of God's only Son from the cradle to the cross. And therefore, as a mother, I appreciate her point of view like no other.

Treasuring the Wonders of God

Mary's pregnancy and birth were different in many respects. Like any other expectant woman, I'm sure Mary prepared and planned for the day she would give birth. Maybe Joseph saw to the furnishing of the home, while Mary asked a female relative to help her when the time came. But whatever plans they made, they were rudely interrupted by a decree from Caesar Augustus.

Carrying the Promise to Full Term

Mary was a very young woman, possibly no older than 15, when the angel Gabriel gave her a life changing message: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. ~Luke 1:30-31 

Although surprised by the news, Mary wholeheartedly submitted to the will of God. However, when Mary submitted to God's will, she was also submitting to the possible shame a premarital pregnancy would bring her. Nevertheless, despite the potential gossip, despite the possible rejection of friends, despite how Joseph might react to the news, Mary submitted herself to God. By her own confession in verse 38, she was first and foremost a servant of the Lord. Without complete understanding, yet with complete trust, Mary prepared herself to carry the promise of God to full term.