Christmas - That We Might Have LifeSample

DAY 8, DEVOTION 8

Mary and Elizabeth, the Power of Motherhood on Display

Who has more influence over humanity’s prospects than a parent? Consider the maternal profession: who can hope to equal a mother’s power over posterity? No teacher, coach, counselor, friend, politician, or program could ever compare to a mom by any measure. Certainly, no child denies his mother’s monumental station in his life. And her significance extends beyond that. Her influence draws into the present grand echoes of ancient tradition, emblazoning them indelibly upon the far reaches of the future. Her career is linked with the sovereign hand of God, partnering to carry providence into the world one life at a time.

The Biblical nativity story demonstrates God’s pleasure in a willing mother’s generational impact writ large as two women submit to giving birth to two boys who will reorient fallen creation back to God.

Elizabeth viewed her barrenness as a disgrace, which God in His mercy cured shortly after the angel told her husband she would give birth to John the Baptist. So, Elizabeth says of herself, “This is the way the LORD has dealt with me… to take away my disgrace among men” (Lk 1:25). She knew that her role could be more than a mere bubble on the fomenting human sea of chaotic sentiment and fickle pleasure. Should the LORD bless, she could be a link in a chain connecting the past to the future. To Elizabeth, any child would suffice for such a profound charge, yet God entrusted to her a key character in paving the way for the One who would redeem man.

And then Gabriel hails another mother-to-be, Mary: “Greetings, favored one! The LORD is with you....” (Lk 1:28). Why is she favored? Is God favoring her with an out-of-wedlock birth, scandalizing her future husband (Mt 1:19), and damaging her reputation in her community (Mk 6:3; Jn 8:41)? Gabriel clarifies, “…you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son…He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High… and His kingdom will have no end” (Lk 1:31-33). Gabriel doesn’t bother to mention how people will perceive her in the short term; it is enough that generations will look back on her obedience to God with tears of thankfulness. Still, in her submission to God as a mother, Mary receives both the contempt of culture and the favor of God. But note, Mary chose to focus on who truly matters: Jesus, her salvation.

When Mary makes a beeline to her pregnant relative after her little chat with Gabriel, Elizabeth proclaims the truth about Mary’s situation, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Lk 1:42). In short, you are not just going to have a baby; you are going to carry the baby who will offer salvation to all mothers and babies.

Mary rightly praises God, “My soul exalts the LORD… for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed for the Mighty One has done great things for me…” (Lk 1:46, 48-49).

Mary understood this, declaring, “He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed” (Lk 1:53). God in His irony uses pregnancy to give women a glimpse of a different future, one where there is life in sacrifice, goodness in hardship, and deep fulfillment in pain. So, her soul stirs with a different sort of future than the one insinuated upon her by a heartless and hopeless world, as the seed of lasting meaning germinates in her heart. Christians often stand at this crossroads of grace as women like Mary walk the dark woods of their lives. And as the Son of God’s revelation dawns upon her soul, she is finally free.

Questions for Reflection

Why is motherhood important to our world?

Can you recall your own mother’s (or another spiritual mother's) words of generational impact in your life?

How is it ironic that God uses pregnancy to give us a glimpse of a redeemed future?

Father God,

Thank you for mothers and the maternal plan of salvation from one generation to the next. Give hope and strength today to all women, especially those facing unplanned pregnancies. May they see lasting meaning. May you use us to deliver grace. May your Son bring ultimate freedom.

Amen.