The Christmas Carols: Past, Present, & Future HopeSample

Day 8

Mary Did You Know?

Read: Luke 1:26-38

In 1991, Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry wrote a Christmas song that has become a contemporary “classic.” In its short history, this tune has been recorded by multiple artists and sung in many church services.

The song asks a simple rhetorical question: Mary, did you know who your Son was? The question is expanded throughout the lyrics, citing both the salvation Jesus would bring and the miracles He would work. Did Mary know while holding Him in Bethlehem’s barn who Jesus really was?

The question shines a spotlight on the paradox of the Sovereign God becoming a dependent baby. But for all the song’s popularity and beauty, is it accurate? Did Mary know? If so, what did Mary know?

Mary certainly knew that Jesus was not a normal baby. In Luke 1:26-38, Mary discovers she is pregnant through a conversation with the angel Gabriel. During this exchange, she would come to know:

• She had found favor with God (1:28-30)
• She was pregnant with a Son, even though she was a virgin (1:31)
• Her Son would be the Son of God (1:32a, 35)
• Her Son would be the promised Messiah (1:32b)
• Her Son’s Kingdom would know no end (1:33)

For nine months Mary carried Jesus with the words of the Angel reverberating in her ears and heart. Then, when Jesus was born, angels, shepherds, and Magi remind Mary of the supernatural nature of her Son. As He grew, she continued to understand Jesus’ uniqueness. She even had an expectation that He could do miracles like turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. So, based on these verses, did Mary know? Yes, I think she did.

However, Mary was still human. At one point, she and Jesus’ half brothers openly questioned His methods (Matthew 12:46-50). After Jesus’ crucifixion, Mary was not outside the tomb expecting to see the stone rolled away. She, like the other disciples, thought the Dream died on the cross. So Mary knew, but she didn’t fully understand.

The question asked in this song reminds us that we can KNOW a truth about God yet still have questions. Allow this tension to be an encouragement in areas of your life where you know, but in another sense don’t fully understand.

Mary Did You Know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I Am.

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Oh, Mary did you know?