Mary, did you know?

A fully modern song, this time, but I'm sure that the question has been asked since He was born!

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will 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?
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?
And when you kiss your little boy
You’ve kissed the face of god

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And 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?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the great I AM

Did she know?

I'm a mother, myself, and it was a joyous time when I carried my Darling Munchkin in my womb. It was even more wonderous when she was born and I got to hold her and see her face. As she's grown up (she's 9 now), she's become more precious, funny, bright, sweet and loveable, and I cherish her more every day.

But do you remember when Gabriel came to tell Mary that she was to bear this Child? The angel told her

"The Holy Spirit will come upon 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." (Luke 1:35, NKJV)

so she certainly knew that this Child was something very special. But, did she really realize the duty her Son had taken upon Himself?

I don't think she really did. I think the first inkling she might have had was when she and Joseph met old Simeon in the Temple and he told her:

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against  (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Can you imagine a mother recieving this prophecy about her own Child?! And, indeed, at the foot of the Cross, as Mary watched her Firstborn die horribly, this prophecy was fulfilled. But - thank God! - He didn't stay dead!

Getting back on point, though, I imagine that Mary grew into the knowledge that this Child was unique. I'm sure she delighted in Him as He grew from a little Child, to a young Boy, to a Teenager, and finally into a Man. All along, He was obedient, loving, and diligent. She never had to spank Him or discipline Him (although, sometimes I wonder if she ever did so in error...).

As the years went by and He started His ministry, she must have marvelled as the signs He did: healing people, teaching, casting out demons, raising the dead... More and more, she must have realized just Who this was and been astonished. I'm sure that, were she here today, she wouldn't have the words to describe her feelings about bearing the great I AM in her womb.

But I am greatful that she said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." Thus she began the journey to Bethlehem, carrying her Savior.

Lord, how blessed Mary was! She must have truly been a woman after Your heart for You to choose her to bear Your Son. Thank You for choosing a human, imperfect, godly woman to mother our Savior. As a woman, I ask You to help me be more like Mary in submitting to Your will. You have given us so many examples of good character in Your Word, and Mary is certainly among them.  Thank You also for Joseph; I am so glad he listened to Your angel and did not divorce Mary, but instead became the earthly father to her Child, and gave Him siblings to grow up with. Thank You, Father, for those siblings - for I know that Jesus understands when I have family conflicts, for He dealt with them, too. Your grace and love are astounding, Lord! How blessed we are that You care for us!

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