Sunday, December 22, 2024
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Like many other people raised in Christian households, I’ve been to many Christmas Eve services and heard the story of Jesus’s birth many times. This can start to feel very repetitive, but something new that I’ve been able to take away from it in the past few years is how much I’m able to empathize with Mary.

At the time of Mary’s pregnancy, she is thought to have been between 12 and 16 years old. As a 15-year-old myself, knowing that she could have easily been my age (or even younger) while in that position completely baffles me. Not only was she pregnant as an unmarried teenager, but she was also pregnant with the son of God through a miracle. I can’t even begin to imagine the doubt, confusion, and stress she must have felt.

When the angel Gabriel first spoke to Mary, she was understandably caught off guard. If an angel stopped by my house in the middle of a regular day, I would be shocked beyond belief. But after her initial surprise, Mary put her trust in God, saying to Gabriel,

“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

Despite any doubts she may have experienced from herself or others throughout her pregnancy, she believed in what the angel Gabriel told her from the start. Mary was able to put her faith in God’s plan despite her circumstances. As we approach Christmas Day, be encouraged to trust in God’s plan for your life, no matter where it goes.

Lily McConnell is the daughter of Jim and Lisa McConnell and a freshman at Jordan High School.