Imagine her for a moment. A young teenager, thirteen years old, maybe. The gangly long arms and legs of a growing girl. The grown up teeth that still seem a bit too large for her childish face. Freckles across her nose perhaps. The sparkling eyes of a curious child. She has probably giggled with friends today.
And soon she will be visited by a Heavenly being. She will see an angel face to face, and he will tell her something so incredible that no expert in the law would believe it. She will learn in a few simple statements news that will change the course of her life forever. She will believe it. Her child-faith will take it in. She will be filled with wonder, humility, curiosity, and joy. She will accept this news like an old friend, even though she has no clue how it will be accomplished and probably doesn’t really understand what it all means.
God chose her, this young girl. He could’ve brought Jesus into the world in a million other ways, but He chose her. A precious teenager. A child.
Why?
Maybe because she still listens. Maybe because she is moldable. Maybe because she is quick to believe and slow to speak in ignorance. Maybe because she is gentle, humble, and unsure of herself.
Maybe God used a child because we adults are so busy making much of ourselves that we can’t hear Him. Maybe her faith was based on total reliance on Him instead of the reliance on her own mind or her own experience. Maybe God chose Mary to show us how much more we can be.
By being less.
Less wowed by ourselves. Less impressed by our reasoning abilities. Less discouraging. Less jaded. Less skeptical. Less adult-like.
We talk a lot about seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child. The magic. The stockings, the chimney, the reindeer, and the jolly old elf. But, take this moment, friends, to see Christmas through the eyes of another child: Mary.
The incredible wonder of it all. Total belief. Complete faith. Excitement. Heavenly messengers. The birth of a beautiful, truly perfect baby boy to call her own, and to call the world’s Savior. Mary, with the faith of a child, shows us how to respond to Christmas.
Awe. Joy. And reliance on the truth of God’s promises.
Stand in Mary’s room today. Imagine her first glimpse of a glittering angel. And respond with the child-like faith that she demonstrates as you hear her say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said.”
Excellent!
Thanks, Laura! 🙂
So beautiful and so thought provoking. Oh for the faith of that sweet teenager. Melissa, your thoughts are so inspiring. Also, you’re a precious Pastor’s wife. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this, Betty!!
I love the sentiment of this. And for sure, we could do well to be all those things you mentioned. But as far as choosing a child, Mary was of common age for marriage (as is still a common age for marriage in many countries around the world). We think it’s strange because of our ‘extended childhoods’ here in the west (longer education, adventures and careers before marriage). But even our bodies give us a clue to the timeline when girls are physically ready to ‘be’ women. I hope I didn’t rain on your parade or discourage your beautiful message. I just hope to bring more understanding. XX
Hi, thanks for your comment! Yes, I’m aware of the cultural differences between her day and ours. I just think that 13 is 13, no matter the cultural setting. She still only had 13 years of living to prepare for this moment, and I think no matter where you live or what time period, that is still quite young. I appreciate your thoughts!
We are not SURE of Mary’s age when she encountered the angel and gave herself fully to the Lord for the accomplishment of God’s will. The Magnification shows her knowledge of HER Bible – the Old Testament. We see a young yet mature and godly woman, a woman committed to doing God’s will. She’s an example to us all while we don’t revere her more than we should.