As Christmas approaches, I naturally think about Jesus’s birth and everything that means. But some of my favorite holiday songs, Breath of Heaven and Mary, Did You Know?, also cause me to reflect on Christmas from Mary’s perspective.
Mary was a young girl faced with a tremendous task and responsibility. She gave birth to and was expected to raise the Messiah, the Savior of the world. I’m sure Mary felt the same insecurities and had some of the same fears we have as homeschooling moms. Gabriel had told her Jesus would be the Messiah, but she probably didn’t understand exactly what His deity in human form would look like in everyday life. Most likely, she felt inadequate for the task ahead of her. How could she raise the Son of God?
Mary’s answer to Gabriel in Luke 1:38 leads me to believe that, while she had questions, she also had great faith that God had already worked out every detail and would provide her with everything she needed to fulfill the responsibility He had given her.
If Mary could trust God to help her raise His Son, why do I have trouble believing He can help me handle the responsibilities of two daughters, one with special needs? Of answering the never-ending questions about socialization? Of balancing building a home-based business with homeschooling and therapy and specialist appointments? Of finding time for me in the midst of the busyness?
The truth is that God can help me handle all of that and more.
Mary said it herself during Gabriel’s visitation when she said, “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 NIV1984) What is impossible is trying to handle everything and solve every problem on our own. God wants us to depend on Him. He’s got us covered.
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 (NIV1984)
How do you turn things over to God so you can enjoy your life?
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