A Mary Christmas: Embracing the True Spirit of the Season

 

We yearn for something more profound and meaningful in a world consumed by tinsel, twinkle lights, and the relentless rhythm of holiday commercialism. The Christmas season often arrives like a whirlwind, sweeping us into a frenzy of decorating, shopping, baking, and entertaining. We meticulously plan perfect gatherings, curate Instagram-worthy moments, and exhaust ourselves trying to create the ideal holiday experience.

Yet, amid this festive chaos, God whispers an invitation—a call to something far more profound. He beckons us to step back from the noise and remember the heart of Christmas. This invites us to embrace what we might call 'A Mary Christmas'—a season of deep spiritual reflection, humble surrender, and genuine wonder. A Mary Christmas is not just a phrase but a concept that invites us to emulate the qualities of Mary, the mother of Jesus, during the Christmas season. It's about shifting our focus from the external trappings of the holiday to the internal spiritual journey.

As the world bustles with holiday preparations—twinkling lights, festive decorations, and endless shopping lists—we're invited to pause and reflect on a different kind of Christmas—a Mary Christmas that goes beyond the surface-level celebrations and touches the heart of God's miraculous plan. It's an opportunity to trade our carefully crafted expectations for divine encounters, our perfect Pinterest moments for genuine spiritual transformation.

Embracing Humility and Surrender

When we think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, we are reminded of her incredible humility and profound faith. Her story is a powerful testament to what it means to surrender to God's will, even when it defies all human understanding. Mary responded to God's extraordinary call with remarkable grace and courage in a moment that would change the course of human history.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary with an unprecedented message. In Luke 1:28-30, we read, "Gabriel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.'" Imagine the weight of such a moment—a young, unmarried woman being told she would bear the Son of God.

Mary's response is a model of true surrender: 'I am the Lord's servant,' she said. 'May your word to me be fulfilled' (Luke 1:38). This wasn't a passive acceptance but an active, courageous embrace of God's plan. Her words echo the profound surrender we see in Isaiah 6:8, 'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!''. Mary's courage and faith in the face of such a monumental task is genuinely inspiring.

Consider the challenges Mary faced:

• The social stigma of an unexplained pregnancy
• Potential rejection by her fiancé Joseph
• Uncertainty of her future
• The overwhelming responsibility of raising the Son of God

Yet, her response wasn't fear or resistance but wholehearted surrender. Her subsequent song of praise in Luke 1:46-55, known as the Magnificat, reveals a heart that sees beyond immediate circumstances to God's greater purpose. The Magnificat is a profoundly moving hymn of praise and gratitude that Mary sang after receiving the angel's message. It beautifully captures her faith and willingness to serve, serving as an inspiration for our own spiritual journeys.

What would embracing Mary's spirit of humble surrender this Christmas look like? In a season often characterized by self-importance and worldly achievements, Mary shows us a different path—one of complete trust in God's plan, regardless of how unexpected or challenging it might seem. Her life demonstrates that true surrender isn't about having all the answers but trusting the One who does. This Christmas, we can follow Mary's example by surrendering our plans and expectations to God, trusting that His plan is always more significant and beautiful than we can imagine.

Philippians 2:5-7 provides a powerful parallel to Mary's attitude: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant..." Mary's surrender mirrors Christ's ultimate surrender, making her not just a historical figure but a profound example of faith for every believer.

Reflecting on God's Unexpected Promises

Mary's story profoundly illustrates how God's promises often arrive in ways we least expect. Scripture shows a consistent pattern of God working through the unlikely, the overlooked, and the seemingly impossible. Her journey reminds us that divine promises are rarely delivered according to human expectations or timelines, adding a sense of awe and wonder to God's divine plan.

Consider the prophecy in Micah 5:2, which foretold the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem—a prophecy fulfilled most unexpectedly. God could have chosen a royal palace instead of a humble stable. He could have announced the birth to kings and priests but revealed the news to shepherds and, later, wise men from distant lands.

Mary's life demonstrates several powerful truths about God's unexpected promises:

1. Divine Purpose Transcends Human Limitations Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." Mary was young, unmarried, and from an insignificant town. By all human standards, she was the least likely candidate to become the mother of the Messiah. Yet God chose her precisely because of her heart, not her resume. This reveals a profound spiritual principle: God's promises are not bound by our perceived limitations, social status, or personal inadequacies.
2. Promises Require Radical Faith Romans 4:18-21 speaks about Abraham, who "in hope believed against hope." Mary embodies this same radical faith. When the angel described an impossible scenario—conceiving a child while remaining a virgin—she didn't argue or demand proof. Instead, she believed. Her faith wasn't passive but an active trust that said, "I may not understand, but I trust God's plan."
3. Unexpected Promises Often Require Waiting The promise of the Messiah wasn't new. Israel had waited generations, enduring exile, oppression, and silence from God. Mary was part of a long lineage of waiting and hoping. Habakkuk 2:3 speaks to this: "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lures slowly, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
4. God's Promises Are Always Bigger Than Our Circumstances Mary's circumstances could have been devastating. An unexplained pregnancy in her culture could lead to public shame or even danger. Yet she trusted that God's promise was more significant than her immediate situation. Her song in Luke 1 reveals a profound understanding that God was doing something far beyond her personal story—Fulfilling a cosmic plan of redemption.

Practical Reflections:

• Where are you struggling to see God's promise in your current circumstances?
• Are you willing to trust God's plan, even when it looks different from what you expected?
• Can you identify areas where you might be limiting God's work by your own understanding?

Mary's story invites us to expand our vision of what's possible. Her life proclaims that God delights in surprising us, working in ways that defy human logic and expectation. This Christmas, dare to believe that God is still in the business of delivering unexpected promises—promises that are infinitely more beautiful and transformative than anything we could orchestrate on our own.

Remember Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us..." This is the God of unexpected promises—the God who chose a young girl from Nazareth to change the course of human history.

Cultivating a Heart of Worship

Look at Mary's response to her incredible calling—she didn't just accept it; she celebrated it. Her song of praise, often called the Magnificat, reveals a heart completely surrendered to God's will. She rejoiced in God's mercy, strength, and faithfulness.

This Christmas, challenge yourself to cultivate a similar spirit of worship. Instead of getting lost in the commercial chaos, create intentional moments to:

• Reflect on God's goodness
• Express gratitude for His unexpected blessings
• Worship Him in both the grand and mundane moments of your life

Practical Steps for a Mary Christmas

1. Slow Down: Create a margin in your holiday schedule for spiritual reflection.
2. Listen: Spend time in prayer, truly listening for God's gentle guidance
3. Serve: Look for opportunities to serve others with the same humble spirit Mary demonstrated
4. Celebrate Simplicity: Remember that the most profound gift—Jesus—arrived in the most humble circumstances

The Gift of Presence

Mary's Christmas wasn't about perfect decorations or elaborate gifts. It was about God's presence coming to humanity in the most intimate way possible. As women of faith, we're called to cultivate that same sense of divine presence in our homes, families, and communities.

A Prayer for Your Heart

Dear Lord, this Christmas, change my heart. Grant me Mary's humility, a spirit of surrender, and a sense of awe at Your fantastic love. Encourage me to embrace Your unexpected plans joyfully, finding true happiness in Your presence.  

Amen.