Imagine Mary

Imagine Mary, mother of Jesus, living today. Imagine Mary waking up to an early morning text. Meet me at the Starbucks on the corner. From:@AngelGabriel. Imagine Mary meeting the angel at Starbucks over a hot mocha and being told some shocking news?  I may have taken a quick dash out the door and waited to wake up from my strange dream. 

This is for real, folks! It’s a beautiful, real story. Mary was a real young teenager with real feelings and real fears. I marvel at Mary’s willingness to listen to the angel, question the angel and then believe the angel. 

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and o His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this be?” Mary asked the angel, “since I do not know a man?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God……. For with God nothing will be impossible. (Luke 1:31-35, 37)

 “Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)

Don’t miss this! One of my favorite sentences in the Bible is Mary’s response: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Despite Mary’s questions and probable fear, she accepted the angel’s message. She said “YES!” I don’t believe she had to. She could have freaked out and ran, like some of us. Mary didn’t know the future. She trusted God in the present, knowing that He would carry her into the future. Just think what her obedience brought to the world... a Savior!

How do you handle the surprises and challenges that life throws your way? Mary demonstrated a heart that was open to what God wanted in her life. Just think, Mary didn’t know that much about the Messiah or what He would do, while on earth, but we do! Even when she didn’t know or understand the future, she trusted God in the present. And it changed the world forever. Merry Christmas!

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Oh
Mary did you know? (Lyrics by Mark Lowry and Music by Buddy Greene, beautifully sung by Pentatonix)

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.