A friend recently shared a New York Times newspaper article, “What Mary Can Teach Us About the Joy and Pain of Life.” I found it thought-provoking, having a few messages relevant to our lives.
With the holiday season upon us, the story of The Birth of Jesus Foretold, in Luke 1:26-38, might be familiar. In a short version of the angel’s announcement to Mary we read:
Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” –Luke 1:28-31 (NLT)
Consider what joy and pain Mary must have experienced with the angel’s greeting.
*The angel’s greeting is one of joy as Gabriel shares Mary is favored!
*At the same time, we learn Mary is confused and disturbed, wondering what her life was going to be like. She is already pledged to be married to Joseph and has not had relations with any man.
How will people view her?
Will they believe she is a virgin?
What will Joseph think?
Will Joseph divorce her?
How will she explain this to her parents? Continue reading “JOY AND SORROW”