A Mother’s Anticipation: Reflections on Mary’s Christmas
As Christmas approaches, many women who are expecting a child around this time may feel anxious about the upcoming delivery and the festivities that come with it. Will their child’s birthday get lost in the chaos of December? Will they feel like they’re missing out on special celebrations because of the holiday season?
But what about the first Christmas? How did Mary, the mother of Jesus, feel as she prepared for her child’s birth? We can only imagine the unique anticipation she must have felt after being visited by the angel Gabriel.
A Birth Like No Other
Mary likely prepared her home for the delivery, expecting to have Jesus there. But could she have anticipated a painful, awkward donkey ride to her in-laws’ town of origin? Could she have predicted that she would give birth in a humble barn, surrounded by animals and strangers?
As we reflect on Mary’s experience, we realize that even with the Spirit of the Lord upon her, she couldn’t have known the full extent of what was to come. She couldn’t have predicted that Jesus’ birth would be celebrated by millions for centuries to come, or that he would die a brutal death for our salvation.
Celebrating the Christ-Child
As we look forward to celebrating Christmas, we’re reminded that we don’t just celebrate rituals and traditions, but the Christ-child himself. And when he is at the center of our celebration, we open ourselves up to the possibility of unexpected wonders.
A Prayer for Anticipation
Dear God, thank you for the example of Mary, who entered into your plan to save the world without knowing all that was to come. May our anticipation for Christmas this year be enlarged by her example. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What do you anticipate from God this Christmas?
- What do you think was going through Mary’s head as delivery day approached?
- What are your expectations for Christmas this year?
May our reflections on Mary’s experience inspire us to approach Christmas with a sense of wonder, awe, and anticipation.
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