Mary Did You Know

Mary (mother of Jesus), you heard the word of God tell you the news before you received confirmation from your cousin Elizabeth, who was also with child. Mary's child was a tiny cell a small feet as, she won't have had the technology, skill and knowledge we have today.

Mary relied on Elizabeth to first tell her the news that she had been chosen by God to carry his child. Secondly, Mary may certainly have relied on Elizabeth's experience, as Elizabeth was further along in her pregnancy than Mary; there weren't any self-help manuals. It is far too risky for her and Joseph to reveal the truth. Can you imagine if Social services were around back then, the scandal and protocols that would have been implemented?

God made the impossible possible, through the barrenness of Elizabeth and the miracle through Mary, to a humble woman of God. Of all the women of God, he showed his favour and trust in Mary, and Elizabeth acted as Mary's mentor. Mary would seem to be the least favourable due to her background; BUT God saw differently, greater than any expert of the day and even now.

"Mary spoke these words "I am the Lord’s servant, just as you said."

Mary did you know that your baby would soon Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? What a privilege, responsibility and trepidation to fall on a young, unmarried girl’s shoulders. I believe that through Mary's song, women particularly grasp the real maternal instincts of Mary, even us unmarried or childless women. Mary song in my view is the closest I we can be to Mary's plight, I'm thankful to Mary for honouring God, as well as Joseph and Elizabeth. The Spirit of the Lord was upon them all from receiving the news right through to the saviour’s birth.

"HALLELUJAH, WONDERFUL PRINCE OF PEACE."

Mary, though greatly troubled with potential fear and anxiety, rejoiced for the precious gift growing within her. Joseph also trusted, and he did the will of God as instructed through the visitation of the angel. He had to, as we say, 'step up' and follow God's every instruction, including looking after Mary's welfare, especially when the time came for them to travel to Bethlehem. In their heart, they were possibly uncertain what truly lay ahead of them, but they fully put their trust in God, for as is evident throughout the Scriptures, God knew the plans that lay ahead for them. In the same way, God also knows the plans he has for each of us, but not as it was for Mary and Joseph at the time. What would happen if God gave us all the same plans and directions?

These two young people went on a journey to Bethlehem. How must that journey have felt? It certainly makes you think about how we respond on a long journey. Would they have spoken together on the way, Mary no doubt would have been exhausted, wanting to rest but eager to keep going, especially through the chill and darkness of night. Joseph followed the start, probably having to keep his wits about, especially from any potential dangers faced. Also, the worry was where they would stay.

In the face of the unexpected, Mary faced it with 'HOPE'. Hope that the Lord’s promise would be fulfilled, hope that God would give them travelling mercies, hope that God would fulfil their every need, hope that the child within her would be safely delivered, hope that Joseph would be with her throughout and thereafter. Hope as we know it is an optimistic feeling or belief in positive future outcomes, a desire for something good to happen, and the expectation that it might, providing motivation to persevere through difficulties and a sense of possibility for better things. It serves as a driving force, offering strength, a positive outlook, and the belief that challenges can be overcome and dreams achieved. Yet Biblical Hope is not based on circumstances, but on the changing character of God. A story so bitter yet so sweet.

Upon their arrival, we know that a census was taking place; every room and every inch of floor space was taken. Growing tired, they knocked and were turned away. But Hope remained, it came from the kindness of an innkeeper telling the place he had was a stable around the back. Imagine by now you're tired, hungry and cold. Mary must have known the birth of her child was implant, and they kindly took up the offer of a borrowed stable. Here, not long after the saviour of the world was born (no pain relief), 'Light of the world has come.' He came just as God had promised. Phew, that definitely would deserve a cup of tea, yet instead God sent the humble and wisest of visitors to see this miracle child. If I were a sheep and I would bring a lamb or today a crocheting blanket, if I were a Wise men I would serve my part just as the Wiseman did at the time.

A real-life story of its day, a story so bitter yet so sweet. A story many accept, and many still deny. Even the upside-down reality of this story, as many might perceive it today, may help each see the true nature of this story, how it happened, with a new, clear, fresh understanding.

There indeed will be upheaval in the world. But in the Scriptures, it tells in John 10:10; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. May we find the real joy, hope and peace this Christmas season. As Mary and Elizabeth sang, may this also be our song this Christmas time and beyond: "Praise the Lord o' my soul let all that is within me bless his Holy name."

There was a challenge given in our home this week from the sermon on Sunday. To

Write a prayer or pray our own 'Magnificent', what will you praise God for? Obviously, here I have done quite well. But my Magnificent came on early Sunday morning, having no sleep the night before, I decided to take my quiet time on an early morning walk (I was hoping to catch the sunrise). However, my intended route changed when I discovered the park opens at 7 am. After a few laps around, three laps being a mile, the sound of the birdsong, the sky changing from darkness to light. This made me pause, sit and reflect. The birdsong felt louder at that time than it would in the business of the day. The sky captured my view through the trees. Here I sat and praised God for his creation, unaware of what the message would be a few hours later. It is not unusual on my walks I burst into, songs of prayer and praise.

"Mary did you know?"

Written by Sarah Joy Holden

👟FOOTNOTE:

Asterisk* Quotes from the message by Rob Buckeridge on Sunday, the 14 December 2025.

Photography by Sarah Joy Holden, Cae Glass Park, Sunday sunrise 14/12/25