I am 8 months pregnant with my first child and we couldn't be happier. :) I reflect on the significance of this time of year. The time that Jesus came to the world, and the story of the nativity scene speaks to me. Since I am very pregnant, my mind wandered...
As I was listening to the story, I pondered a viewpoint I had not given a whole lot of thought, and that was the mind of Mary.
She had been given the blessing of conception by God himself to bear the son that will one day save the world.
I could imagine how overjoyed, blessed, special, overwhelmed, or nervous she must had felt during the time..but her faith and trust in God was unshakable.
I began to wonder if she experienced all the same uncomfortable downfalls a pregnancy comes with?
I wondered if she ever felt insecure and swollen around her loving husband Joseph?
Did she ever cry to him uncontrollably for no real reason?
I wondered how bad her contractions were while traveling to Bethlehem?
When she came to the ONE Stay they could find, all they had available was the manger.( Which is essentially a garage. )
I wondered if she was unhappy or frightened or disappointed by this outcome?
I wonder what the look on her face was when she heard that?
I wondered when she laid by all the animals in labor, how bad the pain was for her, or how long it lasted?
Did she ever question why? Because God chose her to be in such a righteous position, that he wouldn't 'ease up' the experience?
Mary and Joseph were blessed, but they were just people like you and I.
I pondered these things, not to mock, but out of curiosity.. and then a greater answer came to me.
God did not give Mary or Joseph luxurious lives because of the work created moving through them. She was probably not comfortable.
God did not give Mary a pain free pregnancy, or a labor free delivery, or a luxury stay.
He did not give Joseph great wealth and a palace to raise the son of God.
No, far from it. Even as great of a purpose as this. The greatest story ever told. The most amazing, loving, powerful man to ever walk the earth.
They got a healthy baby Jesus, a bright star above that lead 3 wise men to accompany them and to deliver very thoughtful gifts. It was beautiful.
So many times in my life, I have struggled with the whys and why nots God has given to my life. Sometimes I get disappointing or bitter. I question myself, my soul. I question my faith, or God. After I pondering the nativity scene with Mary in mind. With an interesting viewpoint, it's humbleness, all its humanity.
I smiled and knew that we just need to trust..and know.. God is good. He loves us and that great and glorious things are working through us as well..right now we speak.