Mary, Did You Know?

Can you imagine being 13 years old and conceiving immaculately, the child of God? Mary must have been so scared. She was chosen because of her faith. Both she and Joseph were true believers in God. They lived their lives for God's greatest plan!   

The song Mary Did You Know? is structured as a conversation between Mary and the listener, imagining her thoughts and feelings as she raises the Son of God. The Son of God! Wow! What a glorious gift and responsibility Mary had to bear.

I feel such a connection to this song as a mother.  I often think of my own kid’s futures and God’s plans for them. I pray that my influence on them gives them the basis and love for God’s plans. Mary has fostered my hope for the future.  

Reflect on God's Word

The Birth of Jesus Foretold  

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” 

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Read Luke 1:26 - 38 from The Voice for a dramatic portrayal of the encounter between Mary and the Angel.

Take Time to Pray

Lord God, 

Like Mary, help us to trust Your word even when it feels impossible. Give us courage to say “yes” to Your call and faith to believe that nothing is beyond Your power. Overshadow us with Your Spirit, that Christ may be born anew in us this season.

Amen.

Listen to the Carol

As you wrap up Monday's devotional, enjoy Carrie Underwood’s rendition of Mary, Did You Know? on Spotify or below with lyrics to sing along.