I have always loved the anticipation of traveling to visit a loved one. As a child, we made many trips over mountain ranges and through dusty fields to return to where my parents called home when they were younger. We’d wake up early in the morning and leave in the dark traveling for hours before any breaks. Sometimes we would encounter storms along the way but mostly I would stare out the windows at the beauty and wonder of the steep rugged mountains or the golden prairies.
The journeys were long – often several days. Us kids would be uncomfortable sitting for so long in the back seat and would try and find ways to move around. But never would I for a moment complain because where we were going was so wonderful, so exciting, I’d just revel in the anticipation of our arrival.
We would arrive to arms wide open, lots of hugs and such excitement! My grandparents knew just how to make me feel loved. They were so full of joy we had arrived. We’d make plans together about what we could do and they would take us to amazing places while we were there. It was almost as if we’d arrived in heaven.
I imagine Mother Mary must have felt a bit of the same throughout her pregnancy. So often there is a sense of anticipation and excitement to meet this special creation of God’s. The child will come with a heart so full of unconditional love. Parents are often full of joy when their child arrives. Someday they will make plans together about the possibilities of the things they can do and the direction they want to go in life.
During most pregnancies there is almost always a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, of love and fear, hope and doubt. The difference about Mother Mary’s pregnancy however is she knew this child was coming to save the world. This child held the spirit of God within him. Being in the presence of this child even though he was still in her womb already brought her pure joy.
What if we thought of our own children in the same way? Perhaps our child will someday save the world in one form or another ~ develop a way to end hunger, provide friendship to the lonely, find a cure for illness, serve others. Isn’t there the spirit of God within all of us? What a difference it might make if we could maintain that same sense of hope and joy and know everything will be all right.
As she was traveling across the desert and mountains to get to Bethlehem, she knew her child would arrive soon. This was a child who would make it possible again for us to live in a state of heaven with God. Perhaps her anticipation over powered the uncomfortable parts of her journey.
My grandparent’s house was small and there were times it was necessary to sleep in conditions not as comfortable as at home. But did it matter? No way! We were just so happy to have arrived!
As frantic as Joseph must have been seeking a place for his wife to give birth to this blessed child. Wouldn’t Christ have preferred to be surrounded with loving creatures? To be laid in a place that feeds others? To be in the open where all who desired could easily come to visit him? To be in a place where no one would feel unworthy to enter their door? Do you not imagine the shepherds or those the shepherds shared with the magnificence of this event could find a way to make arrangement for the holy family to stay in a more suitable place? Would they not have opened their own home to them?
But Mary recognized where God has led them is where they are meant to be and the family stayed long enough for the wisemen to come and fulfill the prophecy.
Mary reveled in the miracle of Jesus’ birth, of his presence, of the joy that could be seen, heard and felt by all who were there. Her gratitude for her son made the situation wonderful and perfect. It didn’t matter where she was, all that mattered was who she was with. Like the long journey to meet a loved one, Jesus arrived and already it felt a bit like heaven.
To have Mary’s faith, hope and love for her son, Jesus, is exactly what I strive for each day. He filled her with joy and gratitude and peace. There was nothing more she needed. It is why I ask everyday, “What would Mother Mary do?”