I don't know why but, whenever Christmas times comes I am always so fascinated by the songs that are written in Mary's perspective. Songs like "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant and "You're Here" by Francesca Battistelli.
I think the reason that Mary's story has always seemed so fascinating to me is because she was just a girl. She was probably not even twenty. Maybe sixteen or seventeen. She was most likely facing struggles similar to the struggles I face. She was nobody special but she had found favor in God's eye's and she was to become the mother of His Son.
I love learning about the women in the Bible because I find myself relating myself to them. I believe that we can learn a lot from Mary.
I can't imagine what would have been going through Mary's mind when the angel came to her and told her that she would bear God's Son. The Bible tells us her response:
"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; Let it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1:38
I am amazed at how willing Mary was for the Lord to use her. She humbly accepted God's plan for her, even in knowing that it might change her life forever. Following God would cause her a good deal of pain and embarrassment but nothing mattered because she knew that the Lord's will for her was the best.
And Mary's story doesn't stop there. Luke 1:46 - 55 is just beautiful! I often will read through this part of the Christmas story and never really take to heart this part of Mary's story.
Along with a servant's heart Mary has a heart bursting with thankfulness and praise to God. I can only imagine how hard it would have been for Mary to follow God as she, a virgin, became pregnant with God's Son. Many of her family and friends probably shamed her. Joseph even planned to divorce her quietly until the Lord intervened. Yet through all this Mary had a heart full of thankfulness. Her words never once show resentment for what God was doing to her but instead she praised God for His goodness to her.
"My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savoir, for he has looked on the Humble estate of His servant, for behold from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name and His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation." Luke 1:46-50
I want to know her secret. When I get overcome with life and the many struggles that are a part of life thanking God is the last thing on my mind. But thanking God should be my response for everything. Everyday when I rise and when I go to sleep I can thank God for His goodness to me. There is always something to be thankful for if you search your heart long enough.
There is a beautiful song that has truly captured the essence of Mary's story and Mary's song. It's called "Be Born in Me" sung by Francesca Battistelli. This song is actually what has inspired me to write this post.
I have found that I can listen to this song over and over again (I actually have listened to it over and over again as I wrote this post) and the words inspire and speak to me every time.
I was thinking about the phrase 'be born in me'. It doesn't only apply to just Mary. Though in physical terms it perfectly describes Mary, it can apply to us spiritually. Because of Christmas, when God sent His Son into the world to save us, He gave us something special - Jesus living in us.
Because of what Christ did we really are not that different than Mary. This Christmas I want Jesus to be "Born in Me". I want my life to be an example of God's love. Just like it was obvious to those around Mary that she was carrying God's Son, I want my love for Jesus to be obvious as well. When the world sees me and my life I want them to see Jesus who is in me.
So what about you? Does Mary's story inspire you as it inspires me? I hope that this Christmas season you find the true Joy that can only be found in Jesus living in your heart. He will come and fill your life with love.
God has great plans for you and me if you are willing, like Mary, to humble yourself and with a thankful heart place your future in God's hands. Be ready to be amazed at how God will use you!
