I love songs.  They have a way of sticking in my head and staying there, and when I most need them, they come back to the front of my mind and remind me of important things.  Today’s song comes from one of the most prominent people in the Christmas miracle, Mary.

 

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some 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 would give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

 

Oh Mary did you know

 

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will walk 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?

This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am

 

When the angel showed up in Mary’s home and told her she was going to be pregnant,  there’s no doubt in my mind that she was shocked.  Yet, she asked the angel only one question: “How can this be?”  My response probably would have been something along these lines: “Um… sorry?  I’m going to be what?  When?  How?  Why?”  What we forget in today’s culture is that, unlike today, Mary would have been shunned, perhaps even stoned for becoming pregnant  before she was married, whether it was with her betrothed or another.  With that in mind, my response would have been more like this: “What?  Are you trying to ruin my life?  Why would this ever be a good thing?  Oh, and by the way, how in the world is this pregnancy going to happen, assuming, or course, that I believe you?”  That response probably would have gotten me struck by lightening, but Mary’s response is simple, full of humility, and full of faith.  “How can this be since I am a virgin?”  The angel calmly explains it to her, and Mary’s response to this incredible turn of events, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have said.”  Later on, when they are visiting the temple, Mary is told that her son will  “cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,  so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”  How heartbreaking to hear that trouble will come, but how joyous to know that a savior is born!

How often we are presented with things in our lives that we don’t see the full impact of until later.  Like Mary, many of us have face a time when we must decide whether we will have faith or if we will doubt.  Too often we fall into doubt, not trusting God to bring things to their fulfillment in time.  Too often we look to people to be our savior rather than to the one and only Savior.  Too often, we lose that simple, humble, faithful attitude, and fall to cynicism, doubt and fear.  But this Christmas season, this is my prayer, echoed of Mary.

 

My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.

The Lord has done great things for me,

holy is his name.

His kingdom come, His will be done

In my life, now and forevermore.