Sunday Afternoon Tea

Every Christmas since 1977, I have pondered Mary during the season of Advent. That year was my first Christmas holding a newborn child by the light of the Christmas tree. I could not help but think of the Story in Luke with a new light... just recently knowing that feeling of being heavy with child and then holding new life.

What was it like... what things did Mary ponder in her heart? I've heard it said that Mary... and only Mary... would never doubt the virgin birth. She knew because she was there. Even Joseph had doubts at first. Did she live in the shadow of whispers all her life, that gossip which is prevalent in small towns and villages?

I have often wondered what it was about Mary that in all the hundreds upon hundreds of years and thousands upon thousands of young women throughout Time... she was chosen. She would guide and instruct and love the God-boy, along with Joseph. He would train in the practical and Scriptures... she would love as only a mother can He who is Love.

Was he like other little boys? Did she hold him close after scraping his knees and clap when he memorized Scripture? Was she amazed as he grew in stature and in wisdom? Did she ever become perplexed by the knowledge her boy was the Son of God? I cannot imagine...

I know Jesus loves the whole wide world but there has to be a special place in His heart for His Mother... even Presbyterians must understand that... and Baptists. I know my relationship with my boy and my brothers affection for our mother. Moms and their boys... whether completely mortal or partly God... boys hold a special place in their heart for their Mom.

We, who are on the other side of the Reformation, lose much by not honoring the Mother of Christ, at least as one would show respect to any person of great character and influence.  What was it like for her at His birth... at His crucifixion? 

I heard a radio host say something profound about the baby Jesus this week.  He was talking about the line in Mark Lowry's beautiful song, Mary Did You Know?  In it, the question is asked... "Mary, did you know... when you kissed your little baby, you kissed the face of God".  She kissed the face... when in all human history before that day in Bethlehem... man could not look into the face of God and live.

I worship Jesus... I am in awe of the teenage virgin mother and her brave husband... willing to become the epicenter of the greatest moment on earth... when the Word was made flesh.