Unfathomable Courage

The Christmas Cantata yesterday morning in church made me cry. There was one song that did me in, performed by a trio -- singers representing the angel, Joseph, and Mary. The angel in a deep bass voice tells Mary she will carry God's son and not to be afraid. Then Mary in her beautiful sweet voice wonders what will she tell Joseph, and how can this be? Then Joseph, bewildered but accepting that if this is what God wants of him, agrees he will accept what he is to do and marry his pregnant fiance, knowing the scandal the young couple will endure. Each cries out in solo the message and the fear, and then they all join together in acknowledging God's will be done, come what may.

We have all heard the story so many times, that sometimes it loses its impact. Imagine being a young innocent girl, betrothed and a virgin, and suddenly told you are pregnant with God's son! You must tell your fiance, and hope he believes you...but who would believe such an incredible story? You know you will be talked about, shunned, and accused of behavior that shames you. Yet you hear the angel's voice, and you know it is true, and somehow you square your frail shoulders and brave the world's scorn to obey your God.

Christmas is an amazing time, celebrating Jesus, but I rarely think much about Mary. That song made me love Mary all over again. What a brave young woman she was. How many times are we Christians called upon to stand up for our faith, for truth, for righteousness...and we cringe, fall back, fall away...fearing the derision of the world? As I listened to the singer portraying the magnificent role of Mary, mother of my Savior, I felt the nobility of sacrifice, and of unfathomable courage. Maybe what I am called upon to do in this life is not really so hard....

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Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21 ESV)



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