Mary, Did You Know? An Example of Brave Faith

by Hannah Nelson, our incredible Kids Minister

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary, Did You Know?” It gives us a different perspective of what it might have felt like to be Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was the savior of the world. When the angel visited Mary and told her that God had chosen her to give birth to His Son, I wonder if she had any idea how impactful that would be for her and for the whole world? Mary, though she didn’t fully understand how she as a virgin could conceive a baby, responded to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:38) Mary knew enough about God to know that He would be faithful and true to His word. In the first chapter of Luke is “The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise” where we hear Mary praising God for taking notice of “His lowly servant girl”. She lifts Him up with adoration, remembering how He had been faithful to the people of Israel. Mary knew that she could fully trust in the Almighty God. But could Mary have known the miracles Jesus would perform, or the saving power He would have for all of mankind?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.

When we truly have faith in God and fully trust in His plan for our lives, we give God permission to use us in fantastic ways. Mary said “yes” to God, to giving birth to His Son, to facing scrutiny from her family and friends, to being responsible for a holy child. I wonder if Mary understood how personally this act of obedience would affect her? She said “yes” to becoming a mother and a faithful servant of the Most High God. I wonder if she had any idea that when she held and nurtured her baby that she was literally holding and caring for God Himself? I wonder if Mary had known how Jesus would sacrifice Himself on the cross if she would have reconsidered saying “yes” to God? Her faith and obedience were brave. She didn’t ask God about all the details. She knew Him well enough that she could trust His plan for her life.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know?

I suppose in those first few years after giving birth that Mary began to have a greater sense of the significance of who Jesus was. Wise men traveled from far distances to worship Jesus and bring Him gifts. Great numbers of angels appeared to shepherds announcing that the Messiah had been born. So, the shepherds left their flocks to find the baby in Bethlehem and shared the news of what they had seen. Luke 2:19 says that Mary “kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” Mary continued to bravely trust in God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.

Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know?

I am inspired by Mary to have a faith as brave as she did. There are times when I wonder how God can use me, with all my faults and failures? It can be uncomfortable to obey what God asks of me. But I remember what Mary endured; giving birth to the Son of God in a stable so that He could grow up to give His life on a cross for the sake of the world. When I say “yes”, God can and will use me to make a difference. I may experience pain, or loss, or fear, but He is always faithful. I know I can trust Him with a brave faith. I can follow the example of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, who is God, who gave His life for me.