On this New Year’s Day I am focused on the idea of new beginnings. There is something about a blank calendar that speaks to me of possibilities. What will the new year bring?
As I think of new beginnings I remember the first time I held our firstborn son in my arms. Of course I was very excited. After nine months I was finally holding him in my arms, counting his fingers and toes, those tiny ears, and that little rosebud mouth, and marveling at God’s miracle of life. And then it hit me – I was responsible for this new life – I and my husband. Please God help us to do this right.
Knowing how I felt at that moment I cannot help but think of Mary, finding herself the mother of the Lord. What thoughts must have gone through her mind when the angel gave her the news. Yet she was willing to be God’s vessel. Then she finds herself giving birth in a stable. Did she wonder why? After eight days Joseph and Mary travel to Jerusalem to dedicate the child at the temple. There they meet Simeon who speaks those words not just about Jesus but words for Mary – A Sword Will Pierce Your Soul – what thoughts Mary must have had.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother,
Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel;
and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,
that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:34-35
Even with the stable and Simeon’s words Mary does what she needs to do. She raises the Son of God with God’s help and she is there at the cross when He dies for our sin. We don’t hear any more after that terrible Friday but I believe she must have seen the risen Lord. We do know that Jesus put her in John’s care and we are told that from that day on John cared for Mary in his own home.
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