“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18).
Happy mother’s day to all mothers reading this newsletter.
Given the special day – Mother’s Day – it is proper to share meaningful words regarding mothers and motherhood.
Mothers (and fathers) have a God ordained mission, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth…” (Genesis 1:28).
There was a time when the only worthwhile thing a young woman could do was to get married and have children. That is no longer the case (especially in the Western world).
While we uphold the institution of marriage and the importance of the family unit, we have to consider the New Testament teaching (1Cor 7:7).
To be single or married is a special gifting from God.
Today, as means of appreciation of motherhood and encouragement for all mothers, we will consider Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Mary’s motherhood was a gift from God – God’s favour to a humble young woman.
She was looking forward (expectantly) to get married to the man she was engaged to: Joseph, “…a just man…” (Matthew 1:18).
But then, following the angel’s visitation, her expectations were given a new direction…and maybe some worries, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).
That is how the Holy Spirit took a “leading role”. As a result, pregnant she visited her aunt Elisabeth. The greeting she received made her sing a song to her Saviour, highlighting the good that God was working in her life and in the Israel’s life.
Then Bethlehem…the visit of the wise men…the Temple visit and more words from the Holy Spirit about her newly born baby Jesus.
Moments of marvelling at what was being said about her son…treasuring those words and experiences and being proud of her son (John 2:1ff).
The “sword” piercing her heart: witnessing her son’s crucifixion (John 19:25). All of that (and more) making Mary the mother of Jesus.