Thanks for continuing to come back to join in on our family’s Advent tradition. For those who are only now joining us, be sure to read the earlier posts as well.
One year I asked our oldest son what he would like for his birthday. Tim replied that he wanted a 20-piece box of chicken McNuggets all for himself. On the rare occasions we went to a fast-food restaurant, Tim had to share a box with his two younger siblings. So that year when his special day approached, Tim and I headed to McDonald’s.
Half an hour later Tim was manfully struggling to down the last greasy bite of chicken. His stomach ached, and he learned, as most of us eventually do, that sharing offers benefits.
Did the mother of Jesus ever feel…selfish?
The child within Mary’s womb was not to be hers alone. He was destined to be the Savior of the World. Mary would have to share her precious first-born son not only with her husband and immediate family, but with all the world. Later, when Jesus traveled with His parents to Jerusalem at age twelve, He told Mary that He must be about His Father’s business, leaving His family and home in Nazareth to serve God’s people. And after He began His ministry, Jesus told the crowd in Mark 3:33-35, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Looking around at the people, he continued, “These are are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Mary may have been the mother of God but she was also very human. Such words must have pierced her heart. There must have been other times when she found it difficult to share her son with all those who demanded His attention. Sick people surrounded Him. Disciples asked questions. Pharisees and Jewish leaders tried to trick Jesus. Mary must have longed to take Him in her arms and protect Him from their attacks. Did she miss Him being home for the holidays?
Imagine how different your life would be today if Mary had refused to allow us to know her son. Because Mary shared her son and because of His unselfish love, you and I now benefit for all eternity.
