Humble Mary

A key character in the Christmas story is obviously Mary, mother of Jesus.

In Luke 1:30-56, an angel appears to Mary and tells her she will be carrying and giving birth to the son of God, and she is to name Him, Jesus. Also in these verses is the story of Mary going to visit Elizabeth, and Joseph accepting Mary carrying Jesus -check it out if you haven't in a while, it always helps put me in the Christmas spirit.

Why Mary?

Nothing about Mary screamed "I am about to birth my own savior."

To God, Mary was the perfect pick- she lived a humble life, she had a humble spirit, she was young, she had humility. Over and over again, the Bible tells us to humble ourselves before God. ( James 4:10, James 4:6, Luke 18:14*) Mary did just that. She accepted this knowing all too well how hard it was going to be.

She was blessed but was still going to be challenged.

Being blessed does not mean you won't be challenged.

She had to explain to the people who loved her most that she was pregnant before she was even married- to her soon to be husband, that she was pregnant and he would know it wasn't his. They had to trust God fully. They are challenged but blessed. Her humility was recognized and she was handpicked by God himself to carry His only son.

Mary is educated about the Word of God; she references the Old Testament multiple times in her song in Luke 1:46-55

" And Mary said:“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.From now on all generations will call me blessed,  for 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.”

God had been silent 400 years at the time when He calls Mary to carry Jesus. Could you imagine the faith of this woman? The way she continued to walk in humility as a young woman, carrying the baby that would save the world.

Makes me think "how do I need to change my attitude? How can I be more approachable about my faith? How can I practice humility more?"

Mary was humble and because of this, she was abundantly blessed. She helped make the Christmas story what it is- a beautiful miracle. A beautiful approachable miracle.

*James 4:10- "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. "

James 4:6-" But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

Luke 18:14- “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”