Mary’s story:
The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, recounts the humble and miraculous birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a census ordered by Caesar Augustus. Because the town is crowded, they find no room at the inn and settle in a stable, where Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays him in a manger.
Meanwhile, angels appear to shepherds in nearby fields, announcing the birth of the Saviour and proclaiming peace and joy. The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem, find the baby just as the angels said, and share the good news with others. Mary quietly treasures all these moments in her heart, and the shepherds return, glorifying God for what they’ve witnessed.
Reflection:
Mary is the crescendo of this story. Young, poor, and ordinary – yet chosen to carry the Light of the world. Her “yes” echoes Tamar’s courage, Rahab’s love, Ruth’s joy, and Bathsheba’s peace. She sings of a God who lifts the lowly and fills the hungry. At Christmas, we celebrate that Light has come – and it came through a girl who said yes. What might God be inviting you to say “yes” to this Christmas?
Because angels sang, shepherds left their fear behind and came to find us.
My own set aside through divine inbreaking of life-changing power.
A grand miracle born in poverty and dirt, God speaks in my son!
King's bow before Him, before ox and ass who in turn see many kneel -
world flips upside down, costly power reversal to love each other
through ordinary mortals. As God's instrument their lives point to mine.
Does He remember me? When giving back a son to the Nain widow -
this tender gesture reminiscent of His words from the cross to John.
Of course He recalls and formed by our stories His transforms everything.
Coming not to reign but riding on an ass despite beasts out for murder.
From our convictions His words reach out and draw those most in need each day
from the fringes He inaugurates a Kingdom of love and justice.
His light stronger than any darkness, reveals God through the poor and least
with joy, heart listens, doing for neighbour as Christ so all have enough
waiting patiently in unexpected places. How might God use you?
