
Before Jesus was even born, many people already believed certain things about him. Gabriel told Mary, “He will be great, and will be called the son of the Highest” and “that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:32 and 35) Joseph was told, “he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) His relative Elizabeth said that he was blessed and called Mary “the mother of my Lord.” (Luke 1:43) Even little fetus John the Baptist was somersaulting in Elizabeth’s stomach for joy of meeting his cousin.
Within hours of his birth the shepherds are told, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10), after which they went to visit and “made widely known the sayings that were told them concerning this child.” (Luke 2:17)
Oof. That is quite the heavy mantle for a tiny baby to be born under. No wonder Mary “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) As a mother, it has to have been such a mix of emotions. She was given the highest honor of all time, but I can’t imagine she took all these prophecies and accolades lightly. This was her little human, who had just hours ago been one with her, and now people are already putting all their hopes and dreams on his fragile shoulders. And, let’s be honest, at this point our smooshy little King of Kings couldn’t even hold his own head up, so who was really shouldering the burden of these expectations during those first tender years? I think any mother could tell you who.
Today, let’s hold some space for Mary and all the other mothers (and fathers) who carry the mental load of parenthood – those who do the thinking, planning, management and emotional work that underpins all aspects of family life. If this is you, pause a second. Take a deep breath, untense your shoulders, and know that you are loved and appreciated, and the world couldn’t turn without all that you do. If you are not currently in this stage of life, take a minute to think of those close to you who are. Let them know you see them, as I hope others did for Mary so long ago.
Dear Lord, thank you for Mary who shepherded our shepherd. Thank you for all those who are currently shepherding their own flock. Please lay your hand upon them and give them peace in this busy season. Amen.
Molly Means