One of my favorite Christmas songs is Mary Did You Know? (lyrics by Mark Lowry; music by Buddy Greene).
By asking the question, Mary did you know?, the song prompts us to consider the possibility of Mary not knowing. Most likely she didn’t know what Jesus life would entail for him to be the Savior of the world.
As a young girl and planning to be married soon, she was confused and disturbed (Luke 1:29). She tried to understand as she was told, “The baby will be holy, and he will be called the son of God.” I believe Mary had knowledge, but didn’t fully understand what Jesus life would entail. She didn’t know all the incredible miracles, changed lives, and love her son would give. She didn’t know his siblings would hate him, his best friend would walk away, and he would be wrongly accused. She was told the good things, not the heart-wrenching reality. She simply trusted. “I am the Lord’s servant and I am willing to accept whatever he wants”, Luke 1:38 NLT.
As a new parent, holding a precious child, we are often overwhelmed with the newness and miracle of life and the immense responsibility of raising a child. We have our dreams, our idyllic dreams. But like Mary, do we know? No. We don’t know what our child will be. We don’t know his/her personality. We don’t know the challenges, stressors, strengths or weaknesses. We have ideas, and dreams only.

May I dare say that we only think of the good? We consider the possibilities, the intellect, the beauty, but not the hardship. Mary had heard the prophecies, she intellectually knew, but her heart did not know the tragedy, the pain, the wonder….nor do we.

We know the possibilities, not the realities. We live in a broken and fallen world. We are imperfect parents, with a perfect God. Our hearts will be filled with joy and broken. Our dreams will be crushed, and we will see God’s amazing grace and love. Let’s look to Mary and follow her example.

As a mom, I always loved the words describing Mary. In Luke 1:28, it says that Mary was favored. Do you know that you are favored? Do I know that I am favored? Through her journey, Mary kept her focus on the promise given. In Luke 2:19 it says, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Mary viewed Jesus life in the context of God’s promises.

You, mom or dad, were chosen to raise your child. You are favored. You don’t know what lies ahead, yet through the perspective of God’s promises, enjoy the journey. Ponder. Have faith. Trust. Love your God-given family and the task at hand.

For the love of our families…..