In Christmases past I've had the privilege of being pregnant with each of my four children. During two of them I was "great with child" and would deliver in January. I always liked to imagine what Mary felt like being pregnant. It seems each of those times I would learn something new about what she was like.
Several years ago, Mark Lowry, famous for being a Christian comedian and singer in the Bill Gaither Vocal Band, was asked to write a Christmas musical for his church.* It was during that time he began laying the foundational inspiration for the song he wrote about Mary. Did Mary wonder about the newborn she held in her arms, about his future and what he would be like? She knew he was different because "she had not known a man" and an angel visited her and told her what to name him.
After a few years Mary Lowry worked with Buddy Greene, a famous harmonica player and they completed the song. They titled it, Mary Did You Know? Today it is a modern classic. The words will make you stop and think. I love the irony of it all . . . a poor couple delivered their firstborn baby in a barn and laid him in a animal feeding trough. Did they know that someday He would have the utmost amazing ability to become the king of kings. I'm glad that Jesus had such a humble life because no one could ever think that He was too rich for them to come to. In fact, in the Bible, Jesus spoke the word of welcome to anyone willing to hear. He told us to come to Him when we are weighted down with heavy burdens. Because, He said "I am meek and lowly in heart." Jesus said His burden is light (compared to the stressful struggles we can get ourselves into.) He said that in Matthew 11:28-30.
Here are the lyrics to the beautiful song Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene wrote:
Mary did you know,
That your baby boy, will one day walk on water?
Did you know,
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know,
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
Will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know,
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know,
That your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know,
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby,
You've kissed the face of God.
Oh, Mary did you know?
The blind will see,
The deaf will hear,
The dead will live again,
The lame will leap,
The dumb will speak,
The praises of the Lamb.
Mary did you know,
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Did you know,
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know,
That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding,
Is the Great, I Am.
I encourage you to listen to the song and ponder it. You can hear the song on from my heart1.com (sung by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna). Type in the keyword: Mary did you know.
*Christianity Today Int., Nov./Dec., vol. 40, No. 6, Pg. 18