Last week we began our Advent Season with John the Baptist and his parents, Zachariah and Elizabeth. We saw that John was the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah.
Intertwined with the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, is the story of Jesus’ mother, Mary. Mary and Elizabeth were relatives, and despite the difference in the women’s ages, their miraculous babies would arrive within months of each other.
While Elizabeth’s pregnancy was a cause for celebration, Mary’s was a bit more problematic. She was young. She was poor. Though she was engaged, she was not yet married—and of course, her fiance knew the baby wasn’t his! In the Jewish culture of the first century, Mary’s life could be in danger…literally.
And yet, Mary’s response to the news that her life would be turned upside down by the plans that God had for her was that of faith and, ultimately, a song of praise.
“I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Without the full picture, no matter the cost, Mary considered herself a servant of God, his mission, and ultimately, his Son.
Spend some time reading Luke 1:26-56 in preparation for our time together on Sunday morning. You will see, What Child is This? A child worth serving!