This Christmas will be taking place in a way that none of us would have expected. Fear of the unknown, the fear of gathering together coupled with governmental mandates seems to have dampened the hearts of many. Perhaps somewhat similar to that first “Christmas”.

However, Christmas is still the celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, God’s only son. 
Old Testament prophets anticipated the coming of His birth,

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

 Angels proclaimed the arrival of His birth,

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)

And years later, his cousin John, declared the purpose of His birth:

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

The birth of Christ intended to present the gospel, man’s only hope, to a lost and dying world. However, there is a cost for those who would carry this gospel message and even for associating themselves with it, then and even today. Mary, God’s instrument to physically carry the Word that became flesh, would experience first-hand the suffering of being not only Jesus’ mother but a follower of Christ.

Jesus gave the requirement for those who would truly follow him in Luke 9, this included Mary as well.

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Mary did exactly this. Even though she may have not fully understood why God chose her, she humbled herself as a servant. Denying any right to live her life as her own, Mary willingly abandoned any dreams that she may have had, and accepted the consequences of righteous obedience, all to “carry” the gospel.

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)

Mary was willing to be shamed, ridiculed, and suffer a broken heart for the sake of the gospel.

Mary’s heart was fully into “Christmas” — the gospel, from start to finish.

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

Oh, that we had a heart like Mary!