This joyous holiday season is all about recognizing and celebrating the birth of Jesus the Christ. However, my thoughts have been about Mary this Christmas. My thoughts of Mary have become even more poignant after seeing “The Passion of the Christ.” While Jesus struggled carrying His cross, Mary saw Him in her mind's eye as her little boy. I wonder if she knew how much the world would change because of her baby boy.
Any mother knows how it feels to carry a child for nine months and the pain it takes to bring that child into the world. But Mary knew this child was different  - He was of God. What a responsibility! While she knew the babe was the Son of God, He was also her child. Just as any other mother, she felt Him grow inside her. How overwhelming must have been her thoughts. It would be difficult to grasp the fact that she would give birth to her Savior while she loved Him as her child.
After the shepherds came to see the Child and told how the angels came and praised God, Mary pondered [to think about; reflect on; to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply] on all they had told and kept the words in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
As Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised, they encountered Simeon. “He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah … He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of your people Israel!'” (Luke 2:25:32, NLT).
Luke 2 continues to tell how Joseph and Mary were amazed at the words Simeon said about their tiny newborn babe. Even though Mary knew Jesus was the Son of God, He was still her tiny baby and she loved Him as such. It would be difficult to wrap your mind around the fact your Son that was so helpless and small would grow up to be the salvation of all nations! Simeon told Mary, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but He will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose Him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Luke 2:33, NLT). How that statement must have confused and frightened Mary. Jesus was an innocent baby. What terrible thing could happen to her precious baby that would pierce her soul?
Perhaps, like His disciples, Jesus' earthly parents didn't truly understand His purpose upon the earth. Perhaps they thought He had come to rescue the nation of Israel from the brutality of Rome, freeing them of their bondage. However, it was not to free Israel only, but all people - not from Rome, but from sin. It was only after His crucifixion that they understood. And Mary, the only person to be at Christ's birth and death, understood the warning of Simeon. She watched as Jesus was beaten by the Roman soldiers and heard her people condemn Him to death. She watched as the baby she loved and carried, the little boy she held closely, hung on a cross and died for the sins of the world. He was her Savior … but He was also her child and a sword must have pierced her heart at the pain Jesus endured for us. How Mary must have been torn in her heart and spirit.
During the festive holiday season, we remember the joy of Christ's birth. We rejoice with the heavenly host and sing His praises. But we should remember Jesus was more than Messiah; He was a mother's child. He chose to leave heaven and sacrifice Himself for a lost and dying world. Mary saw Him as her precious child; and Jesus saw Mary as His precious child. I wonder if she knew …