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Mary, Did You Really Know?

by Anna Osipov
12/13/23
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When I first heard the beautiful song, “Mary, Did You Know?”, it made quite an impression on me. The deep, thought-provoking questions throughout the song made me think solemnly about the young woman who became the mother of Christ.

I often lamented the fact that the Bible says so little about her personal life. It does tell us that she was blessed and highly favored. The way she listens humbly to the angel speaking to her, accepts whatever is God’s will for her life, and rejoices over it, says a lot about her character. Supposedly, young women all over Israel hoped to become the mother of the Messiah. But honestly, if I placed myself in Mary’s shoes, I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to remain in them.

Imagine Mary for a moment - a beautiful young Jewish woman. I am sure she was beautiful because the beauty of her spirit must have shown through blindingly. She loved God and kept His commandments faithfully. Her highest wish in life was to obey God and please Him with her life. God favored her and blessed her richly, since she seemed to have a good reputation, was well-liked by her community, and also was engaged to a decent young man named Joseph. They loved each other and hoped to get married soon and start their own family. Mary’s life seemed to be perfect. She was busy serving God and her community, and of course, she was very busy planning her wedding and future life. I’m sure she was very happy and couldn’t wish for more.

Then, the angel came.

I don’t think Mary was expecting that angel at all. She was amazed and frightened. When that blinding light appeared and she realized what was happening, I don’t think she was very excited to embark on a new life-changing adventure. Yet her desire to put God above everything else in her life was so strong that she immediately replied, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

She could have said, “Please, I don’t think I should be chosen for this. I’m sure you can find another young woman who is willing. I am really happy with my life right now, and I don’t think I am ready for such a big change to happen. Besides, God, I am engaged! What would people think? What would Joseph think? What if everyone turns against me, if Joseph leaves me, and if my entire world falls apart?”

But no, Mary was willing for the big and unfathomable plan God had for her life. It didn’t matter what happened to her, her plans, dreams, and hopes, it didn’t matter what anyone else in the world thought, as long as God was pleased with her. She couldn’t have known the great plan of salvation God had. She couldn’t have known that the Savior would live a hard and humble life forsaken by the world. She couldn’t have known that He would be crucified, only to rise again and defeat death. How was she supposed to understand the Trinity? Who was this heaven-sent baby she was supposed to carry? What was His mission and purpose? But the Bible doesn’t record any Q&A session between Mary and Gabriel. Truly, God chose his servant well.

I don’t think Mary really knew the depth of what was about to happen in the history of mankind. She didn’t aim to understand every aspect of it. She was far wiser than I’d be accredited for – she simply accepted it and “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). She didn’t ask God for time to talk it over with her parents, her fiancé, and her besties before she decided if she was ready for it. And soon she was pregnant. Was she worried, or stressed out about how people would accept the news? Who would believe her report that an angel visited her and told her she would carry the Messiah? What would her family think of her? And of course, what would Joseph think?

The Bible gives us a couple of clues about the state of things. Joseph obviously did not believe Mary’s very strange story. Being a just man, and unwilling to make a public example of Mary, he decided to quietly put an end to their engagement. Imagine Joseph’s surprise when an angel visited him that night and brought some light and sense to the situation. Joseph did as the angel said and agreed to marry her as they had planned.

Their life was by no means easy. Traveling days and nights on a donkey while pregnant almost full-term was a dreadful experience for Mary. The city was full and every house turned them away that dark night. Finally, a stable – which by no means smelled fragrant – was opened for them to spend the night in. The little baby was laid into a manger – and no, dear friends, not the lovely little crib mangers you saw as a child. Mangers for cattle and sheep were not built elegantly. But that was the Messiah’s first bed.

Though the Bible says little about the childhood of Jesus, there are a few references we can find that refer to it elusively. One of those is actually a prophecy in the Old Testament, Psalm 69, which is often quoted in the New Testament. This psalm bears some references to Jesus’ life and His death on the cross. Consider this next verse, which bears reference to his early days.

Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children. Psalm 69:6-8

This verse could very well be referring to the struggles and pain Jesus faced in his childhood. “An alien unto my mother’s children” – notice that he isn’t referencing the father because Joseph was not his true father. Did he face rejection from his siblings, and why? Was there a story circulating about his illegitimacy?

They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards. Psalm 69:12

Apparently, the highest officials of the town were not in favor of Jesus, and the drunkards were singing depraved songs about Him. Imagine Jesus being raised in this unforgiving little town, with rumors about His illegitimate birth circulating around Him constantly. It must not have been a pleasant childhood. But He went through it all – so that we could become the children of God.

Mary stays in the background throughout the rest of Jesus’ life. But references to her always show her humble and beautiful spirit. Her willingness to submit to the plan of God made the plan of salvation possible for mankind. At the expense of her reputation, plans, and dreams, she accepted all the pain, hardships, and heartbreak that came with becoming the mother of Christ. How many times was her heart broken when she saw Him lying in the manger, facing an unkind childhood, forsaken and rejected by men, cursed and spit upon by the priests and Pharisees, and finally put to death by the cruel mob? But God had a plan, and Mary was a faithful servant. No, she was not perfect, but she did have amazing character traits which I admire, and she definitely was a woman of faith. So, during this Christmas season, as I reflect on the wonderful coming of our Lord and Savior, I also find myself thinking about Mary, the young woman who was willing to forsake all so that God could bring salvation to men. May this reflection bring some inspiration to you this Christmas season!

Merry Christmas!

Anna Osipov