The Incarnate Word: How Mary's very Jewish story shapes our Christmas celebration

Stephanie has deep admiration for Mary, the mother of Jesus. So, she invites you to take a seat at Mary’s table this Christmas season. Grab a cup of hot Christmas tea and join Mary at God’s feast.

Mary's journey of faith showcases deep humility and trust. For example, her genuine curiosity about God's message distinguishes her from Zechariah's earlier skepticism, demonstrating that God welcomes questions borne out of innocence. Mary’s life highlights a pure faith, and a willingness to devote herself completely to God, despite societal repercussions.

Mary is a beacon of suffering and endurance. Scripture emphasizes the importance of embracing our legacy for God’s glory, drawing parallels to Ruth and Boaz's story as an analogy of choosing faithfulness amidst trials. Mary's life challenges us to view suffering through a lens of divine purpose and glory.

In Christ, the New Testament teaches a profound reversal from the Old Testament perspective. Traditionally, the unholy would taint the holy, but in Christ, the holy purifies the unholy. This applies to Mary as well, and is vividly exemplified in stories like the woman healed by touching Jesus’ garment, and the shadows of Peter and Paul, which miraculously conveyed healing.

Understanding Jesus as fully God and fully man is vital to grasp the profound nature of the cross and resurrection. The incarnation is not merely to be seasonally celebrated at Christmastime, but it extends to us an invitation to experience the holiness of Jesus personally throughout the year. Belief in Jesus is paramount for salvation, extending beyond heritage and familial connections to Israel. Even Mary herself needed to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior, because salvation is an individual journey taken in a corporate, communal context.

Mary’s faith journey is therefore marked by the joy and strength she found in fellowship and corporate worship. Community is essential in nurturing our faith, and in providing encouragement, support, and a shared sense of purpose. Mary's song, the Magnificat, reveals her deep scriptural understanding, reminiscent of patriarchal figures like Abraham and Hannah, as well as her bond with her cousin Elizabeth. This is the power of community to bolster our faith!

In her humble and challenging circumstances—living in poverty, as a widow, raising several children, and dealing with societal reputations—Mary chose to view herself as blessed through a divine lens. Her life exemplifies surrendering to God’s plan as an act of commitment, rather than selecting the bits and pieces of faith that would be more comfortable. Her life teaches a timeless lesson: embracing God's plans often requires relinquishing personal ambitions and societal approval. Her journey serves as a guide for living a life of worship and devotion to Jesus, standing firm in faith through every storm.

So, this Christmas, consider reimagining your Christmas celebrations through the lens of Mary’s life. Ponder the story of Mary, not just as an iconic biblical figure, but as a relatable model of faith, courage, and unwavering devotion in the face of life's trials.

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