Oh Holy Night, A Journey to Bethlehem – Day Six, Expecting

“…and was expecting a child” Luke 2:5b

Expectations, we all have them. Perhaps you were expecting a fairy tale marriage? Or the offer you accepted did not turn out to be the dream job you had hoped it would be. I wonder what Mary was expecting as the mother of Jesus. Did she comprehend what was about to occur? Was she ready for it? Did she wonder if she would be a good mother?

As the birth of my first child was approaching, I was filled with much emotion. I was filled with the anticipation of seeing his face for the first time, holding him in my arms, and feeling his breath on my face. I was also filled with apprehension about caring for another human being. I wondered if I would be a good mother.

As the Bible has shown us, Mary had completely put her trust in God, just as she had months earlier when she and Joseph became husband and wife. Mary’s story is a great symbol of faith and joy that can exist when we put our expectations before God and trust in His plans for our lives.