Let Mary's story inspire us

Among the familiar images of cradles, shepherds and guiding stars stands a young woman whose journey was marked by extraordinary faith and profound social stigma, writes Eric Gaudion.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, embodies not only obedience to God’s will but also immense resilience in the face of misunderstanding and judgment.

Reflecting on her experience this Christmas can deepen our sense of obedience, hope and worship.

Mary’s story unfolds in Nazareth, a small Galilean village in the first century. Life there revolved around honour, tradition, and strict moral codes.

Within this context, Mary’s pregnancy before her formal union with Joseph was scandalous.

Matthew’s Gospel tells us she was “found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” before she and Joseph came together (Matthew 1:18).

For us, the miraculous conception is central to faith; but to Mary’s contemporaries, such an explanation would have seemed improbable, even blasphemous.

Imagine the whispers, the sidelong glances, and the disappointment of neighbours and kin.

The Law, as set out in Deuteronomy, could demand severe consequences for a woman in her position.

Even if spared the harshest penalties, shame and social exclusion would linger.

Joseph himself, a “righteous man”, initially resolved to divorce her quietly – a sign of how serious the perceived offence was (Matthew 1:19).

For Mary, saying “yes” to God carried not only physical and spiritual consequences but also social cost.

To accept the angel’s message was to risk her reputation, her security and even her closest relationships.

Yet, her song – the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) – reveals a heart rejoicing in God’s favour despite the adversity.

She chose to see her circumstances from an eternal perspective, praising the God who had “done great things” for her (v.49).

story continues …