If you’re a parent, then you know the beauty of watching a little life grow. You know what it is to mold character and hone skill; to share afternoon cuddles and races around the house. And although some days are long, you know, deep down, they are the sweetest you will ever see.
Now imagine.
You’re an unassuming, somewhat ordinary teenager - albeit engaged to be married - when the angel Gabriel appears to you. And through his celestial greeting, you learn you’re highly favored of the Lord.
And you are troubled by these words.
As Gabriel assuages your uncertainty, he goes on to explain the Holy Spirit’s plan; that you will conceive a son and call him Jesus, Son of the Most High, and he’ll reign on David’s throne forever. Being a virgin, this is hard to fathom, so by way of solidarity, he informs you your cousin Elizabeth, who’s old enough to be your grandmother, is also pregnant. The intended message: nothing is impossible with God.
And you, defined by your willing service, sign on.
Then quickly make your way to Elizabeth’s house! Such wisdom she has. She knows! She affirms! She blesses you and your fears give way to praise and adoration.
And you stay with her for as long as you can.
But all too soon, decrees are given, hometowns departed, journeys made. With belly in full bloom, you go to a place you’ve never been, to do a thing you’ve never done, to observe a group you’ve never met, bow before the babe now wrapped warmly and securely by your side. And you listen, as shepherds recount, while the light of the most significant star illumines the scene.
You take all this in and hide it deep way down in your heart.
Mere days later, you present this precious child at the temple, where Simeon, a God-fearing man, prays over him and proclaims he sees the salvation of Israel, and all mankind, in the face of your sweet boy.
And you marvel.
But he goes on to say that the little one you cradle is destined to be a figure misunderstood, spoken against, and rejected. And you, dear mother, will feel the sword thrust through your own soul.
Now Imagine.
Knowing parental challenges like conquering homework, navigating relationships and teaching the art of good decision making, would pale in comparison to watching your son breathe death for the whole of humanity.
Imagine. Knowing at the tender beginning, it would end in piercing pain.
And just a few short months ago, you were a kid without a care in the world.
~Elizabeth D.
