The Birth of Hope

This year as I consider the Christmas story the thing that stands out to me most is the incredible joy Jesus must have brought to a nation that had been waiting so long. Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise brought to Israel through the words of Isaiah long ago. The Israelites had been waiting and waiting for Immanuel. The advent season always feels like suspenseful joy to me, the fulfillment of God’s promise. I consider Christmas and the advent just as important as Easter. Without the birth of Christ there would not have been a death and resurrection. There would have been no salvation. Christmas is full of mystery, humility, joy, and the incredible power and love of God. Here is my short version of the story from Mary’s point of view:

The time is drawing near. Salvation is coming. A child will be born for us all in the city of David. The prophecy of Isaiah rang through the streets of Israel with a hopeful promise. A prophecy the people had been waiting on for so long. Israel was a dark place in desperate need of Light. They continued to wait, and wait, and wait with hopeful expectation for the birth of hope.
A young woman lay in the darkness with the hopeful promise of marriage in her heart. Her name was Mary. She was a humble and faithful girl living a simple, rural life. Mary thought contentedly over her future. Everything was settled, she would be taken care of. From now on her life would be fairly predictable. Suddenly the peaceful darkness around her was permeated with a bright and indescribable glow, revealing a magnificent man clothed in white and beaming with the fullness of God. Mary’s heart jumped wildly, and yet she felt calm.
“Peace child. You are truly favored in the eyes of God. You have been chosen to fill God’s promise of reconciliation to His people. You are to give birth to a child and name him Jesus.” The messenger’s whole being exuded joy over the news he was able to bestow. Mary’s mind flitted about in a panic. Her hand went subconsciously over her stomach.
“There must be some mistake. I am not married, I am pure.”
The angel smiled kindly, “The Lord has chosen you to carry His son. The Holy Spirit will come over you and fill you. Your cousin Elizabeth is also having a baby even though she was thought barren. This is a miracle and the highest honor. You will not be alone.” With that the angel vanished and Mary was left alone and bewildered in her dark room. Her heart refused to cease pounding and tears fell freely down her cheeks. Could it be possible? Was she to be the one to carry the key to unlocking the sacred promise of salvation? Her people had waited long in hopeful expectation for this child. An even more frightening thought came to Mary and she froze. How would Joseph take the news?
Mary’s panic level rose but was soon pushed aside by determination. Mary had always been a faithful and steadfast girl; she knew God would provide the way. As the months went by the baby’s progress started to show. Her parents felt shame and Joseph didn’t speak to her for quite some time. But the more the baby grew, the more faithful and sure Mary became as to the purpose of her load. Mary left to stay with her cousin Elizabeth, for support as well as to get away from the disdainful glances of her neighbors.
As soon as Mary saw Elizabeth she ran to her, hungry for encouragement and wisdom.
“Mary! When you came up to me my baby started jumping around wildly inside my womb. You are carrying a special charge.” The women embraced and Mary’s heart nearly burst with gratitude for Elizabeth’s care and understanding. Mary stayed until Elizabeth gave birth to a son named John, her baby’s cousin. She returned to her family with renewed hope and strength.
One day, Joseph approached Mary with an apologetic look in his eyes.
“I’ve had a dream,” he confessed, “I believe this baby was sent by the Lord. I will stay with you and protect you. I will help you raise the child as my own.” Joseph looked at Mary’s round belly and smiled. “Mary, I have to go to Bethlehem for the census. You must come with me since we are to be married.”
So Mary and Joseph set out, somewhat awkwardly, with a donkey and Mary’s enlarged belly. They walked and walked and walked. They became tired, hungry, too cold, and too hot. But Joseph stood by Mary’s side protecting her and providing for her the whole way. The night they finally reached Bethlehem Mary’s body began to contract painfully. Mary looked at Joseph with scared and imploring eyes. In a panic Joseph ran to the inn.
“I need a room! My wife is having a baby! I need a room!”
“There is no room, no room in my inn,” The innkeeper turned him away. Joseph ran from door to door, but there was no room to be found. Finally he dragged the donkey and its precious cargo to an old stable where cattle were lowing.
The time had come. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, slipped humbly to earth disguising his holiness and saving power in the desperate cries of a common new born boy. Mary and Joseph stared at the little bundle of Joy and Peace in silent awe. Immanuel had finally come. Above their heads a bright star shone leading humble worshippers, and multitudes of angels sang the glory of God.