It’s that time of year when we get to play and hear all our favourite Christmas songs and carols. One of my very favourites is “Mary Did You Know”

Mary – did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water –

Mary – did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters –

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new –  and 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 – and when you kiss your little baby – you’ve kissed the face of God –

Oh Mary – did you know – Mary – did you know – the blind will see – the deaf will hear and the dead will live again – the lame will leap – the dumb will speak the praises of the lamb –

It always makes me wonder when I hear those words just how many times Mary must have been surprised by what Jesus did. Prophecy had come to her regarding the birth of Jesus, but just how much did she understand I wonder. Many times she must have been puzzled and – how many times did she ‘ponder these things’ .

She must have gone over the words spoken by the shepherds when they came to see the ‘Christ child’ – as they told all that the angels had said to them. We’re told that she ‘kept all these things – and pondered them in her heart’.

Surely there must have been times when she was puzzled and afraid. Maybe she was proud at times too! However she felt – one thing we do know is that she remained faithful. She followed Jesus – stood by Him – supported Him. She became much more than His mother – she became a true follower – remaining true to Him – even though it must have torn her apart when He was crucified.

I have to confess that there are times in my life when I haven’t understood – felt unsure – but I’ve never faltered in my faith and belief in Him. For me – faith is actually believing when I cannot see or understand.

It’s easy to believe when all is going well – but true faith is believing when we’re going through a dark time.

Like Mary – there are things I don’t ‘know’ but I will remain faithful – I will follow Him – trust Him – love Him.

So – over this Christmas time – I will worship Him – thank God for sending Him as a baby – so long ago. I will seek to honour Him – make room for Him in the midst of all the celebrations this season brings.

I pray for you too – that you will believe – in spite of not understanding – that you will get to know Him and love Him – as I do.