The other day a friend told me of a Thai teacher who, in preparing to give his first grade students a lesson in Christmas history, decided to tell the story with Joseph and Mary married.
My friend was scandalized: “The Virgin Birth is a major doctrine.”
I was reminded to try to think past the familiar Christmas story to the reality of Mary’s scandalized friends, family, and fiance. Those around Mary knew as well as the Thai first grade teacher that good girls don’t have babies before they’re married.
Mary is a model of surrender to the will of God. She was a ‘good girl.’ She had found favor with God (Luke 1:30). She had probably found favor with those around her as well. I must confess that for myself it would be very difficult to say to God “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” knowing that the fulfillment of God’s word would leave my reputation with those around me shattered.
Oh that I would fix my eyes on Jesus so that the eyes of this world do not sway me.
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