Christmas is coming and I have been thinking about Mary of Nazareth. What was it like at the time she was living?
The Jews were under Roman rule. Although scriptures were read in the synagogue, there had been no prophet in Israel for 400 years. Did the people still have hope for God’s intervention?
Mary lived in the village of Nazareth. The people harvested olives and pressed them for oil. They grew grapes and made wine. They probably had flocks of sheep and goats. Mary was engaged to Joseph and expected to be married, have a home and family in Nazareth.
Then an angel came to her suddenly and told her that she will have a child—become pregnant before her marriage. The angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.”
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.”
Did she know the shepherds would come with a vision of an angel chorus? Did she know that she and Joseph would need to protect baby Jesus by fleeing to Egypt? Was she shocked by the controversy that came with Jesus’ ministry? The agony of the crucifixion followed by the joy of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
Choosing God’s way is both an adventure and a struggle. It often includes suffering. Am I as brave as Mary? Am I willing to trade my expectations for God’s plans? I need to know his Word and trust his promises.
There is a Spanish legend that flowers on the rosemary bush turned from white to blue when Mary’s cloak touched them during the flight to Egypt.
Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Kate’s prompt is: TRADE
I find myself wondering much of the same about Mary. This is a wonderful message for me to reflect on today.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends each month sweet friend.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
What a beautiful legend.
I bring my rosemary plant in when the weather turns cold and set it in a sunny bay window. Occasionally it has flowered and I am reminded of the legend.
It’s always interesting to reflect on Mary’s story. I wonder how much she truly understood about what was happening, but I love her example of faith.
Yes, her faith. She must have known the scriptures. Her song of praise (Magnificat) reveals knowledge of God’s love.
When my world does not behave,
and gets downright scary,
I don’t think I can be as brave
as Jesus Christ’s mom, Mary.
Flee to Egypt for the Child?
It really is a dismal place,
crazy pharoes running wild
and getting in your face.
No, I would have toughed it out,
not looking up, head bowed
because I am a lazy lout
who feels that he is owed
a life of bland convenience
behind my whitewashed picket fence.
Mary had help from the Holy Spirit–we need help too!