MaryI love the Christmas story in the Book of Luke. You know, “I will bring you good news of great joy that shall be unto all men.” They have to restrain me to keep me from reading it aloud six or seven times at church every year.
But this year I’ve been thinking about what comes BEFORE Jesus is born. That would be Chapter 1. The part where an angel shows up and tells a teenage girl she’s going to have a baby even though she’s a virgin. How you gonna break that news to your fiance? Well, thankfully, the angel talked to Joseph, too. But I’m guessing there were a lot of people in that little village who were left to draw their own conclusions.
Ever feel like God’s asking too much of you? I know I do. But I try to remember that whatever he asks, it’s probably easier than giving birth to his child, raising that child, and watching him die for all humanity. Yup. Way easier.
Mary even sings a song right after learning she’s going to be a mother. Read it. It’s the perfect road map for accepting God’s will.

“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
She sang a song of praise. I know God’s asked me to do a few things along the way and my song was more like a dirge. More like the blues. But Mary, I think, got it right. She glorified God. Because the upshot is, if God asks you to do it, then it IS a glorious thing to do.