In this Christmas season, we reflect on all the characters in the gospel narratives, and I often think about Mary especially. When the angel Gabriel came to tell her of the child who would be God’s son, although she did not understand it, she was willing to be obedient. Mary seems to have such a sweet and humble disposition, with a desire to say yes to God.
Yet as she and Joseph travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a journey thst would have taken four days on foot, you wonder what emotions she might gave experienced. To be 9 months pregnant and to walk eight hours a day must have been so hard. Mary is often portrayed as being on a donkey, but there is no mention of a donkey in the details shared in the gospels. If she travelled on foot, perhaps at night when it was cooler, she must gave been very tired, her body sore, and maybe even anxious and questioning. Who was going to support her when the baby came? How was she going to cope, so far away from most of her family? Maybe she was even afraid or tearful, wondering why things were unfolding the way they were.
It speaks so much to our human condition, that we often trust God, but struggle with human doubts and fears. The ‘what if’s’ can unsettled us, when our minds worry about the worst case scenarios. We can end up paralysed and tearful, wondering how it will all end up.
Mary must have had her struggles, yet somehow she still trusted in God’s goodness and love. Whatever situation we find ourselves in today, I think we too are called to trust, and to trust so deeply, that our trust is bigger than our fears.
The famous verses from Proverbs 3: 5-6 say; ‘ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.’ Trusting like this is not just in a one off moment, but a continued reliance on a God who is faithful and loving, and who seeks to guide our path even through unexpected twists and turns, and even in the dark. May we set aside our fears and anxieties, and learn to trust more fully.
Eternal God, we are inspired by Mary’s example and obedience to You, to travel with Joseph to Bethlehem even when it was tough and uncomfortable. Lord Jesus, You call us to follow you, even when it is dark, and we don’t know where we are going. Holy Spirit, forgive us when we are scared or tearful, and help us to trust You, knowing that You are faithful and will never let us down. For Mary, her humble trust led to the birth of the Saviour of the world. Through our obedience, may You also birth a new beginning in us that brings hope and light and life, Amen
An umbrella of healing love 