Mary

My church in my area usually puts on a Christmas Festival each year.  This year, of course, is different - because 2020.  But one of my favorite parts of this festival was the live nativity.  There would be the common scenes we think of as part of Nativity that were on "display" but it was people, in stead of pictures or art.  There was no speaking or acting, no interactions. But it was people from the church in the area, dressed up as guards, shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph with a baby Jesus.  With each "scene" there was also a scripture shown on a poster about it.  There is really a special feeling as you walk through and see these live representations of events surrounding the birth of Christ.

I remember the first time I walked through the live nativity, I was very touched by the spirit I felt there.  The last scene you see is Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus in his manger bed.  As you leave that room, the scripture displayed is from Luke chapter 2, verse 19: 

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."

For some reason, reading this scripture evoked quite an emotional response in me. I couldn't really define why, but it was something that touched by heart deeply.  I can only imagine that Mary felt overwhelmed by her responsibility to raise this precious child, by all those who sought Him out, and by the love she felt for her son.  But I also imagine Mary was a gentle soul, possibly quiet and introverted by nature.  And so her response to all of these big and amazing things, and all the powerful emotions she experienced, was to keep them and ponder them in her heart.

I still have a similar emotional response to reading or hearing this verse and I often get choked up and teary eyed.  Perhaps it's because I relate to pondering things in my heart. I am a talker and a thinker.  The running dialogue in my head never stops and even though I do talk a lot, I also keep a lot close to my heart.  I also struggle to connect with others, often feeling "outside" the norm.  So to feel some connection with this very choice woman, who was chosen to bear and raise the Son of God, is a powerful feeling.  It is a tender mercy that I am very grateful for.

The holiday season is usually hard for me.  Seeing all the families celebrate together, creating traditions together, often causes me to see what my life lacks.  But I was inspired today when a woman spoke at church of her own experience when she felt a connection to Mary; it helped me recognize and appreciate my own feelings of connection. 

I hope that we can all feel the spirit of this Christmas season - the spirit of joy and service and love.