Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
The song, Mary Did You Know, has become very popular at Christmas time. The song asks Mary, the mother of Jesus, if she understood the importance of the child she was carrying. Whenever I hear this song I want to stop it and say, “Yes, she knew, she knew!”
She knew because the angel told her. In Luke 1 we read: “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (1:30-33)
We get even more insight into Mary’s knowledge when she sings her own song of praise after meeting with Elizabeth. Yes, Mary knew that the child she was carrying was the saviour of the world. Mary knew that Jesus was destined for great things.
But she didn’t really know what lay ahead. She couldn’t know then the depth of love or power of emotions that she would feel for her son. She didn’t yet know of the pride she would take in seeing him at work. Nor, could she fully comprehend the pain that would pierce her heart as she looked at the cross. This knowledge would only come through living it out. This knowledge of Jesus, who he was and her relationship with him would only come through daily interaction.
Many of us know about Jesus. We have the right theological answers about who he is. The events of his life are well known. His teachings are valued and discussed. But there is a difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing him in a personal way.
Christ came to earth so that we might know him. Getting to know someone comes through time and regular conversation. Our spiritual life is all about getting to know Jesus and growing in his likeness. That takes a lifetime – one day at a time. In this life we will face many joys and sorrows. We don’t know what lies ahead. But we can know Jesus and he promises to be with us each step of the way.
This Christmas, may you know more fully the one who is our saviour.