Essay #2 on Christmas – Mary and Joseph. I focus on the humanity of Mary’s journey.

What humanity, you might ask?

Picture the scene. Mary is in her home in Nazareth when an angel—no ordinary angel, but Gabriel himself—appears. By the customs of the time, Mary was likely only fourteen to sixteen years old. Now, pause for a moment and set aside the wonder of the angelic visitation. Consider instead the humanity of Mary’s situation.

As a father, husband, and teacher of teenagers, I cannot help but imagine the weight of that moment. After Gabriel departs, I picture Mary sitting down suddenly, stunned. She is pregnant. Joseph is not the father. And she lives in a culture where adultery could bring the death penalty by stoning (John 8:1–11).

Here is the Spotify link:

Mary and Joseph

Here is the YouTube Video:

Mary and Joseph

Mary is my Christmas hero… no doubt. And Joseph is a close second.

Blessings!

Paige

p.s.

Here is the link to the Bible Study guide for all of the Christmas episodes:

Essays on Christmas