20/20, a television news magazine, recently reported on the birth of Christ. I never cease to be amazed at the way the media slants religious reporting to the liberal end of the spectrum. The summations at the end of the report were given by liberal scholars. The only conservative scholar, Darrell Bock, was not given such an opportunity. The viewer was left with the impression that truth is expansive and the Bible need not be taken literally.
My pondering today seeks to answer the question, "Who was Mary?" My sermon text this morning (Matthew 1:18-25) yields little information; however, Luke's account provides her testimony in a stirring magnificat. Meditation on the passage in Luke will lead the reader to conclude that Mary was a righteous woman. She was probably poor and hardworking.
Luke 1:35 states, "And the angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.'" Mary's response to the angel ought to tell us something about this woman.
"Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Mary was a woman willing to submit to the will and Word of God. She was a woman who believed God. Mary said: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name."
It is important to point out that Mary rejoiced in her Savior. While acknowledging the special blessing as a handmaid of the Lord, she deflected glory to God. Mary's righteous character stemmed from a right relationship with her Creator. She believed in the revelation of God.
The most important aspect of Christmas is that Jesus came to save people from their sins. All men need a Savior. Mary recognized this and so must we. A right relationship with the Father is cause for rejoicing. He regards you and your lowly state. He understands your frailty and your weakness. He demands perfection and has provided it in the Person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ.
All who believe on Jesus Christ will be saved (Acts 16:31). You must turn from any relgious activity or moralistic behavior and look to Christ alone for salvation. Mary needed a Savior and so do you. A right relationship is cause for rejoicing. Separation from God leads to our condemnation. May God grant you the peace of Mary. It is found in Jesus Christ, God's Son.
