Dec
10
2021
An Advent Pondering
Posted in Christmas 6 Comments
I just saw, Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers, last week with a dear friend.
There was much music, which was an unexpected blessing.
However, the simple depiction of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem was so powerful.
Their humanness, their poverty, and their love for one another was so moving.
Mary, with her large pregnant belly, rode sideways on the back of a donkey.
Joseph pulled the donkey along, while talking to his betrothed.
Mary requested to get off the donkey and walk for a bit.
We’re far enough away, she reminded Joseph, as she touched her pregnant belly.
Far enough away from the scandal of the Incarnation.
Far enough away from the prying eyes who judged the circumstances surrounding the birth.
Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly but an angel assured him the child was of the Holy Spirit.
Mary and Joseph talked about the things the angels told each of them as they walked along.
I know the Christmas story.
I know the details.
Yet, watching this movie made it so very real.
For a woman in her ninth month of pregnancy, the journey was grueling.
I felt as if I was watching their actual journey.
I couldn’t help but put myself in Mary’s place as she traveled.
I have delivered five children.
I can’t imagine riding side-saddle on the back of a donkey when I was close to my time.
When they reached Bethlehem for the census, there was no room for them.
The town swelled in population, since everyone came to Bethlehem to be counted.
Perhaps there were relatives or people they knew with whom they could have stayed.
However, Mary went into labor and a manger stall would have to do.
To see Joseph sweep away the animal waste was something I never considered.
Mary was doubled over with a labor pain as she cleaned out the feeding trough for her baby.
She leaned against a wooden beam and writhed in pain, while animals breathed next to her.
Joseph, trying not to show his fear, since he would have to deliver the baby himself.
I watched; I was there.
I could relate to Mary’s urgency.
She was single minded in her focus.
The Son of God would be born in this lowly place.
I have been thinking about Mary.
I was pondering Mary’s obedience, her faith, and her submission.
I wondered if my faith would have been as strong?
I wondered if I would have submitted to God’s will as fully as Mary?
My daughter is pregnant with her third child, due in early January.
I have watched her belly grow and have seen it jump as the baby moves inside.
She has much energy, but I know that some things are harder to do during her ninth month.
I remember.
She is nesting.
She is pondering.
She is readying herself, and her two little daughters, for the birth of this precious baby.
She touched my heart with a reflection she wrote as she has only a few weeks until the birth.
I read her heart poured out.
I tend to joke with people that being pregnant makes me more existential for a lot of different reasons. But in all seriousness, being in a season of waiting and expectation and transition does have a way of reminding us of what is truly important and eternal.
I’ve been pregnant at Christmas before but not *this* pregnant. So this year, I am thinking a lot about Mary. Riding on a donkey for miles and miles being nine months pregnant. Wondering when and how, and where her baby would come. And already knowing (at least a bit) of what was to come for them both in the future. I would love to have known what was going through her head during the weeks leading up to Jesus’ birth.
I’m so incredibly thankful for her. An ordinary girl with extraordinary faith who was chosen to be the mother of God. And we can learn so much from her example, too. How to be obedient to God’s calling on our life. How to faithfully trust that He is working all things for good in our lives. How to surrender our plans and our children to the Lord knowing they ultimately belong to Him anyway. And how to take time to ponder all of these things in our hearts as well.
Oh, how I need to be reminded of these things today and everyday.
The picture she included with these words was of a cup of tea resting on her belly.
Inside that belly is her third child, my fourth grandchild.
My daughter was pondering Mary and the baby, Jesus, she carried inside her.
I’m sure her teacup danced as the baby in her own belly made himself or herself known.
There is no feeding trough for this baby.
There are no animals breathing nearby.
There is a trip to the hospital in a car and not on a donkey.
There is a room for her to labor, family to support her, and a doctor who will deliver her baby.
It is different but not so different.
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. (Luke 1:47-49)
Ken and I just saw the Chosen Christmas special as well with our in-laws…sooo well done and authentic, awesome music, beautiful all around! Thank you, Gina, for a great summary of an amazing production timely presented to us at the heart of this Christmas season. Love C’s beautiful shared reflection as well! How blessed we are to personally know the true ‘reason for this season’ – the Christ child, JESUS, the best Christmas gift given ever!
Amen, Carolyn!
Jesus, our Lord, our Savior, our Gift!
Gina
Wonderful message–your daughter has learned well from you how important our faith is. May all things go well in the birth of her baby and God bless all your family.
Thank you, Sue.
Her reflection was so precious.
It is well for us to ponder the wonder of what Christmas really means.
Gina
What a beautiful message from your daughter. When she said that she that our children ultimately belong to the Lord it brought back memories. When our daughter was pregnant with a child that she would gift through adoption I struggled so and told the Lord NO I can’t. Quickly he told me that it was his child and still I struggled. Then he brought to mind how he had given His only begotten son. I was at peace about the birth and God’s plan for this child.
Merry Christmas dear Gina!
Oh, Nancy, your honesty is so moving.
You love your grandchildren well.
God knows what He is doing.
Blessings to you and Frank this Christmas.
Gina