Could She Even Comprehend?

I think every mother can attest: once you find out you’re pregnant for the first time (or are going to be able to adopt that precious child) there’s not much more that crosses your mind in the passing months until the birth. Almost every waking thought is spent on that child. What will he look like? Will she be healthy? At what stage of growth is he at? What is the baby thinking about? What can she hear? Will I be a good mother? Am I supposed to eat this?

Try to imagine what Mary was feeling. Whether you believe in the virgin birth or that her baby was the Messiah, Mary did believe that. We know that Gabriel visited her and told her she would be pregnant with a son: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:31-33)

Mary got to think on these things daily. For. nine. months. Can you even imagine? Did she worry and second guess herself like so many first-time mothers do? Or was she at peace knowing that if God called it to be then it would surely happen? Mary was younger than you and I. What wisdom and calm did she possess? Her response was, “I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) I don’t know about you but I’d be freaking out. I’m pretty sure that’s why God didn’t choose me to undertake that specific event in history.

The Jews knew to expect a Messiah. Mary knew that a Savior was coming. Did she understand the Scriptures enough to know what all her son, the Son, would face? Did she think upon His Godliness? Or was she just excited to be able to cradle a squirming baby? Could she comprehend that the screaming infant would one day have to die because he was the Messiah? When she kissed his little forehead. . . could she really comprehend Who she was kissing?!?!

After the shepherds came to see the baby in the manger they went off to spread the news that the angels had told them. The Bible says that Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) As I think about the whole situation, what else would there have been to do other than to think deeply?

I was listening to the song “Mary Did You Know” (by Mark Lowry) on the way home tonight. This particular version is sung by Kathy Mattea. Her voice powered me back to the night Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Mary did you know
That your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new;
The child that you delivered
Will soon deliver you?

Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
you kiss the face of God. (Oh God, why couldn’t it have been me!?!?*)

The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
The sleeping child your holding
Is the great I AM.

Would it even be possible for a human to comprehend these heavenly things while it was presently happening? Do we even try to attempt to think on such lofty things in this time of year in which we’ve decided to celebrate this history-altering occasion? This is what Christmas is about! The beginning of a life that brought us a direct path to God! Mary had nine months and then thirty-three years to ponder. We give ourselves a day, or a month at the most. I think I should have titled this post “Can We Even Comprehend?”

In humble awe and admiration with expectant hope to fully comprehend someday,

*That was my thought as I was typing out the lyrics. Oh God, to be able to kiss Jesus’ forehead as a baby. I wouldn’t be worthy enough. One day I will get to worship at His feet though.