And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:4–7

My Christmas reflection is late this year because the labor and delivery of our daughter kept us in the hospital from the early hours of December 22nd until the afternoon of December 25th. It was a very trying experience, but the timing and circumstances made us reflect on a different part of the Christmas story: Mary.

Mary’s Remarkable Story

Mary’s story is remarkable for multiple reasons. First, she received the news of her upcoming pregnancy and birth through angelic proclamation. Angelic proclamations were employed when God chose to intervene in His people’s circumstances in a particular way and through a particular child (cf. Gen. 16:11; 18:10; Judges 13:3–7 ). 

Second, Mary received the proclamation with grace and humble acceptance: And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:38, ESV). 

Third, Mary believed and worshipped the Lord. When Mary arrived at her cousin Elizabeth’s house, Elizabeth’s son (John the Baptist) leapt in her womb. Upon feeling this, Elizabeth prophesied blessed are you among women… blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her (Luke 1:42, 45). In response, Mary offered a song of praise to the Lord that today we recognize as the Magnificat:

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed… He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Luke 1:46–48, 55–56

Fourth, Mary didn’t give birth to her firstborn son in ideal conditions. She was in a city not her own; she was away from family; the weather likely made the whole experience difficult; she had to deliver and rest her newborn baby in a manger.

None of these circumstances are enviable. None of them offered comfort to the woman that was chosen to carry, deliver, and raise the Savior of the world.

Fifth, Mary was deeply moved by what others said about her son. Mary and Joseph “marveled” after hearing Simeon prophesy that Jesus would be a “light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people, Israel” (Luke 2:32–33). These words were spoken after the ordeal of birthing and bonding with Jesus in a manger and in a city not her own.

Mary’s calling and transition into motherhood was difficult for so many reasons, and she handled it with grace, humility, and faithfulness. Her humility is a wonderful example. The circumstances in which she birthed her son – being in a place where one lacks the provision of adequate shelter – reflect the brokenness that the Son of God invaded His own creation to save us from.

Final Thoughts

Jesus is the focus of our celebration at Christmas, and this is obviously correct. But I’ve also come to appreciate Mary’s role and faithfulness in God’s plan of salvation. Would I have the love for God that Mary had if I were in her place?  

The difficulties of my wife’s labor tried my faith and love for God beyond what I was prepared for, and that experience has made me notice details about our Savior’s birth in a new way. Luke’s narrative of Mary’s pregnancy, delivery, and early parenting of Jesus is inspiring. Her faith and faithfulness inspires my faith and increases my desire to be faithful.

Merry Christmas,

And Happy Bibleing!