Have you ever heard of a child excited when mom or dad told them what to do? Likely not. From our youth, the common response to being given some sort of responsibility is a negative one. We might whine, ask if we really have to or pout while carrying out the orders.
The funny thing is that we don't change much as adults. We mutter when our boss gives us extra work. We complain about responsibilities on the home front. When a burden is placed on our shoulders, it's understandably difficult to view it as some kind of blessing.
To accomplish the will of God, we're often saddled in much the same way. We are given something to do that is often difficult, called to bear a specific load for the sake of God's kingdom. That is where the beautiful response of Mary, the mother of Jesus, serves as a powerful example for us today.
In the Christmas story, Mary is given a task that surpasses any burden we could possibly carry. In fact, the very idea of carrying a child of God was impossible to comprehend. Not only was she a virgin, but she was a poor, peasant virgin at that. What would people say when she answered that the father of her baby was God? She'd be labeled insane or perhaps far worse.
The angel explained to Mary that she would bear the son of God and reminded her that “no word from God will ever fail.” Mary's immediate response have become some of the most revered words in the scriptures.
Not only did Mary accept the tremendous, preposterous calling placed upon her, but she went on to delight in the responsibility! In what has become known as the Magnificat or Mary's Song, the mother of Jesus praises God for the opportunity given to her.
May we be humbled this Christmas season at the incredible humility and joy of Mary's response. The calling of God is indeed a gift and we see a meaningful example of that in the story of Mary.
Inspired by the song Breathe Of Heaven (Mary's Song) by Amy Grant. Original post featured on YouVersion.
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