The Wonder of His Birth
I’ve always loved the words to the song, “Mary, Did You Know?” I love how the questions emphasize the wonder that Mary must have felt about the child that she was carrying, and also the significance of His birth. This song however frustrates my husband to no end, as it asks what he considers to be “obvious” questions! He doesn’t appreciate that particular literary style as much as I do!
In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel appears before Mary and completely turns her ordinary existence upside down. In verses 30-32 he says to her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” Just a few verses later, in response to her wonder, Gabriel assures her, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
I can only imagine the wonder Mary must have felt when she heard this news. She had 9 months to let the magnitude of what was about to take place sink in, and she probably needed every bit of that time! She was carrying the Christ child! The One who would astound the learned with his doctrine, and the one who would perform miracles. The One who was her Creator, and the One who would die for her. In Luke 1:46-47, during her visit with Elisabeth, Mary says (or sings), “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” After the Savior’s birth and the visit from the shepherds, Luke 2:19 records that “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
Think also of the wonder the shepherds must have felt as a whole “host” of angels surrounded them. They had the amazing privilege of seeing the Christ child while he was still “in the manger.” Overcome with joy and wonder at what they had seen, they went out and told everyone they could find. Luke 2:20 says, “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
So as you look forward to celebrating Christmas this year with family, with presents and with food, make sure you keep Christ at the forefront of your Christmas. Spend time reading about His birth, His life, and His death. Meditate on why He came to this earth, and what He has done for you. Look for opportunities to remind others around you of the reason we celebrate Christmas. Remember the wonder and joy you felt at salvation, and allow the Lord to work in your heart this Christmas and bring back that wonder and excitement once again!