The story of the birth of Jesus is a common one told around this time of year. Let’s take a fresh look at well-known verses and explore the perspective of the people involved, specifically Mary. Those who have attended church or know enough of the Bible may have heard that Mary is the mother of Jesus. She was a virgin when Jesus was conceived, around the age of 15, living in the village of Nazareth.

Matthew 1:18 says, “This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. ²⁰ As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. ²¹ And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Joseph believes the angel. Matthew 1:24 says, “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. ²⁵ But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.”

Mary’s pregnancy progresses and she becomes more uncomfortable, probably enduring pain, as the birth of her baby draws near. As if being a pregnant virgin and a teenager is not enough for Mary to be working through, a census order is issued. Now she and Joseph have to travel 90 miles. Mary may have experienced emotional pain, ‘Why a census on top of everything else going on’? Riding on a donkey is not the most comfortable thing, but Mary was also very pregnant. She was most likely in pain with a sore back and feet all while on a donkey enduring varying terrain and temperatures. She was leaving her family behind as they traveled farther and farther away from everyone and everything she knew, which can be painful and scary.

When the time came for Mary to give birth, she was in a cave-like place laying in hay surrounded by animals. Mary was a teenager in pain with no doctor, no pain relief, little knowledge of what to expect, and no parent there to hold her hand. Mary had little to no privacy, she was a virgin giving birth with no medical team to check the baby and tell Mary he is ok. There were no books to read or pre-birthing classes. She and Joseph had to put all pain and confusion aside and go on faith that everything would be ok and that God would provide for and protect them.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Your love, guidance, provision and protection. Thank You for Jesus and for giving us Your Son. Thank you for the strength and courage shown by a teenager, may we have faith that can move mountains. Help us to keep our eyes on You. In Jesus name we pray, amen.