So, when I was a teenager, my focus was pretty clear… AC/DC, Def Leppard, girls, building questionable beer can pyramids, and airplanes.
Hmmm… 🤔 now that I think about it, not much has really changed. Just kidding… I don’t do beer pyramids anymore. 😉
Anyway, that’s what makes Jesus’ teenage mother, Mary, so remarkable. Did you catch that? Teenager!
An angel suddenly appears—no appointment on her Google calendar, no warning, no “Hey, is now a good time?”—and calmly explains that her life is about to take a sharp, permanent turn into biblical proportions. Like, we’re talking history-altering, world-changing transformations. Seriously, no pressure at all!
How does Mary respond?
Well, according to history professor and investigative reporter, Luke 1:38 (HCSB) says:
“I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.
Ummm… wait, wut? 😳
I’d be like… you know, I need to brush the cat this afternoon. Plus, the Buckeyes are playing at 7. And today’s pizza beer day. I mean, there will be long lines at the pizza joint… better get there early! I’m kinda thinkin’ maybe we circle back to discuss… next week? Next year? Eternity? I don’t know… I need to think about this whole virgin birth thing, too. Just saying… 🤷
But Mary doesn’t do any of that.
She doesn’t ask for clarification. She doesn’t ask for time to think. I mean, we’re talking about guaranteed gossip here, too! The kind that makes you the most scandalous topic in town. Plus, you know, God’s only asking for the most overwhelming assignment in human history… and she simply
says, “Yeah, no sweat.” Okay, maybe she didn’t say it quite like that… but she was quickly onboard with God’s plan.
Can you imagine the pressure? What will Joseph say? How do I show my face in town when everyone’s whispering? I mean, how many raised eyebrows does one synagogue allow? And let’s not forget… this wasn’t just socially awkward. Accusations of adultery could literally cost her life!
Yet this teenage girl responds with quiet, fearless faith, “May it be done…”
So yes, while Jesus is the reason for God’s beautiful plan, don’t miss one of His many lessons tucked close to the manger. The faith of a young woman, barely more than a teenager, who trusted God when obedience came with whispers, side-eyes, and consequences that were very real.
I don’t know about you, but I want a faith like that!
So, as you approach the “most wonderful time of the year”—oh, boy… now Andy Williams is stuck in my head—may you have a faith like that, and a very Merry Christmas!
Crock’s Thoughts 