Mary’s Advent Hope

Steer clear of mean doctrinal debates. Feel free to disagree but don't do hate.

I was named Mary after Jesus' mother so naturally I find myself thinking on her holding baby Jesus in the manger. I wonder. I imagine. What was that like? My mind floods with contradictory messages of worship Mary and do not worship Mary.

Early on, Mary was my person. She is the one I talked with because she was my role model. Later, I came to an understanding that Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. No one goes to the Father except through Him. I still adhere to this.

So what was I to do with Mary? Mother Mary, that is. My response was basically to set her aside. Given the extreme devotion to her over Jesus, that was good... to a point.

Now I revisit her importance in Christmas. It seems logical to go there but an internal rule became, Do not go there. I was not alone as many Protestant voices championed this attitude.

Yet, here I am in Advent 2024 and my heart invites me to simply consider and appreciate her obedience. What was it like to endure the probable slander of an untimely pregnancy... untimely in human perspective, that is. What was it like to watch Jesus perform His first miracle at a wedding? What was it like to lose the Savior?!?! and find Him three days later sitting with the teachers of the law in the temple? (That one freaks me out.) What was it like to watch the outrage of those who hated Him amidst the cheers of others who lined the streets of Jerusalem shouting, Hosanna to the King? What was it like to watch her Son arrested, sent to prison, falsely accused, and sentenced to death as he took the place of criminal Barabbus? What was it like to hear Him say to John while on the cross, Behold your mother. Even then, Jesus was taking care of her by entrusting her into the care of another who would treat her as his own family.

My heart goes out to her while believing whole heartedly that no one goes to the Father except through Christ. He is the only mediator between man and God...

Yet, to not esteem Mary's role seems dishonoring.

So I pause. I thank the Lord for her life. And I thank Him that I was named after this beautiful handmaiden of the Lord...

Mary