Christmas Devotion: Seeing Christmas Through the Eyes of Mary

When we see Mary in nativity scenes today, she looks calm and peaceful. But if we step back into the first century, we find a young woman whose life was turned upside down by a radical calling.

Like most Jewish people of her time, Mary lived under the heavy hand of Roman rule. She grew up hearing the ancient promises of a Messiah—a savior who would bring justice, peace, and freedom to her people. She likely expected this hero to arrive with an army. She certainly didn't expect the story to start with her.

A Dangerous Request

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary (Luke 1:30–32), he didn’t just bring good news; he brought a disruption.

In Mary’s world, being unmarried and pregnant was more than just a social scandal—it was dangerous. It could lead to losing her reputation, her marriage to Joseph, or even her life. Yet, her response in Luke 1:38 was one of incredible courage: "Let it be to me according to your word."

What Mary Knew

Mary’s own song found in Luke 1:46-55, the Magnificat, shows us she was a student of the scriptures. She knew the "Old Testament" promises that God would care for the weak and keep His word. Here are the core truths Mary likely reflected on from the prophets:

• A Light in the Darkness: She knew the words of Isaiah 9:2: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."

• The Humble King: She knew God chose the small and the lowly, as promised in Micah 5:2: "But you, Bethlehem... though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel."

• A Faithful God: Mary’s song directly mirrors the words of Psalm 103:17: "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children."

This Christmas, Think of the "Yes"

Christmas is a beautiful holiday, but for Mary, she spent it giving birth in what amounted to be a barn. Her life was still not out of danger as she watched her newborn Son and Messiah resting in a stone manger.

As we celebrate, let’s remember that the Christmas story began with a risky, world-changing "Yes" from a girl who believed that light was finally coming into the darkness.