Oh, Mary...

Christmas has smacked me in the face.  Everywhere I turn is a reminder of Christmas.  The decorations, lights, trees, candy, celebrations, parties, gifts, time with family, food, music and general feelings are so wonderful.  I even like Santa.  Don't get me wrong, my children will grow up knowing we celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ, but Santa can still bring a smile to my face.  The way children light up when they see him is fun and exciting.  It's magical!

But as I waddle to and fro, painfully take the first few steps as I change from any position, as I literally give myself a pep talk when it's time to get up off the couch, as I huff and puff going up and down the stairs, as I gag while I brush my teeth, as I trot to the bathroom multiple times a night...I can't help but think of Mary.

She was very large with child during this time.  She was probably huffing and puffing while she walked, waddling wherever she went, grimacing when she felt pelvic pressure and running to the bathroom - wherever that was!  She experienced all the pregnancy symptoms that are just part of the process.

I, for one, can't imagine climbing up on a donkey.  But somehow she did it, or at least we assume she did.  I like to believe Joseph was a gentleman and let her ride since it was a 70 mile journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth.  She may have even been contracting on that donkey.  I assume that her labor was like typical first labors - 15 to 20 hours.  Joseph had a noble character - he stayed by Mary's side when most other men would have left her to a life of poverty, disownment or worse.  I'd like to believe he was her rock while she was in labor.  No, he wouldn't have left her side, no matter what the customs of that time were.

When she and Joseph finally found a warmer place to stay, it was in a barn, surrounded by animals and all their excrement, hay, food and smells.  When I was in labor with Madeline, I was very nauseous.  I cannot imagine smelling animal smells while in the throes of labor. And I wonder if she had many clean blankets?  The Bible speaks of the swaddling cloth that Jesus was wrapped in, but what about Mary?  Was she just laying on the hay/ground or was there another blanket? Joseph and Mary knew she was close to delivery, so maybe they were a little prepared.  I can picture Mary insisting on bringing provisions in case the baby was born.  Nesting is an instinct and a mother knows.  Did women show up to assist Mary or were Mary and Joseph alone? 

And what about after the birth?  Birth is beautiful, but also messy and bloody.  The mother is bleeding, passing clots, exhausted, tender and sore.  And Mary gave birth in what we assume was a barn.  In the middle of the night.  Maybe they had access to water, maybe not.  We really don't know.

The Bible makes one thing clear: Jesus came into this world humbly.  Christmas cards depict a peaceful scene.  Mary and Joseph lovingly looking down at their son, shepherds visiting, animals peacefully surrounding the manger.  But there's a whole other side to the story, too...Oh, Mary!

The Bible gives us glimpses into Jesus' birth, but much is left to the imagination. No pomp. No circumstance.  Well, except the fact that the shepherds were greeted by an angel of the Lord informing them that their savior had been born!  I guess that is kind of pompy and circumstancy. :-)

So as you go about your shopping, fill your grocery cart with Christmas dinner, take pictures with Santa, buy presents to wrap underneath the tree and celebrate with family - remember Jesus' birth.  Remember Him this season.  Remember the baby, born in humble surroundings by a woman who experienced God's miracle first-hand.  When Jesus was placed in her arms, I picture a mother lovingly gazing into her son's eyes.  I picture a mother whose heart skipped a beat when she heard his first cries.  I feel God's promises, goodness and love.