Christmas Through Mary's Eyes

Christmas morning. Children sqeeling. Coffee brewing. Gift opening and wrapping paper ripping. These are all part of our Christmas traditions and memories, but that first Christmas was very different. 

The navitity scene and story of shepherds and angels are all familiar parts of the Christmas story as is the birth of Jesus in a humble stable with a manger for a bed. But over the last few years as both an expectant mom and now with a baby, I’ve been reflecting on that first Christmas through Mary’s eyes.

What fears, uncertainties, anxieties and concerns did Mary have before going into labor? What must it have been like to try and prepare for the birth of your firstborn while being shunned and rejected by your community? Did Mary have unanswered questions surrounding birth, motherhood and postpartum? While I doubt Mary and Joseph had a birth plan, a stable was probably the last place they would have thought of. 

But then the time came…whether they were ready or not. Jesus entered the world; lowly, meek and humble. He arrived as a scrawny, scrunched newborn to parents who probably had no idea what they were doing. What were Mary’s first thoughts as she held Him in her arms after carrying her Savior for nine months?

While there were no twinkling lights, no violins sofly playing in the background, no hot chocolate or candles to set the mood that first Christmas, I’m sure there was awe. Awe that after all the trials, lonely days weary moments and months of waiting God’s promise was fulfilled. 

Most of the accounts of Jesus’ birth do not include much insight into Mary’s perspective, but there is one verse in Luke’s account that gives us a small glimpse:

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
~ Luke 2:19

What musing did Mary have as she nursed her Creator in the wee hours of the morning? What questions did she silently ponder as she rocked to sleep the newborn King? 

Mary had a long journey leading up to Christmas that was filled with it’s share of difficulties and obstacles and those challenges didn’t end the day of Jesus’ birth. On the contrary, they continued as the young family fled to Egypt and then eventually moved back to Nazareth. However, despite the trying circumstances sorrounding that first Christmas, Mary’s one response to it all — the pain of labor, the joy of delivery and the wonder of unexpected vistors — was to treasure and ponder all of it in her heart. 

So this Christmas, may we do the same. No matter what circumstances are currently in our stories, let’s take a moment to treasure and ponder the meaning and message of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
~ Luke 2:10-12

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
~ John1:14