Awe and Wonder
By Susan Klein
“Therefore, stand in awe of God.”
Ecclesiastes 5:7
One of my favorite Christmas songs is Third Day’s rendition of, “Mary, Did You Know?” Some of the lyrics are as follows:By Susan Klein
“Therefore, stand in awe of God.”
Ecclesiastes 5:7
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary 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?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.
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?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am. (1)
Being a mother myself, I have to stop and wonder what exactly did go through Mary’s mind when she conceived the Son of God? Scripture tells us she was visited by the angel Gabriel who told her she would conceive and give birth to God’s Son. He even told her what to name Him, and that He would reign over the house of Jacob forever. At approximately 15 years of age, did she fully comprehend the magnitude of her situation? What were her thoughts as she carried Him in her belly for nine months? What went through her mind as she cradled Him in her arms in a dark, cold stable in the middle of the night? And what did she think when the shepherds arrived, already knowing of His birth?
I can only imagine that she was filled with awe and wonder! I’m sure, like any new mother, she counted His fingers and toes to make sure they were all there. And she probably caressed His tiny arms and kissed His sleepy face. But beyond that, I believe she pondered the majesty of God’s plan for her and for this holy infant she held. I imagine she didn’t get much sleep as she gave thought to how her life would be forever changed by this miraculous event. I’m sure many of the questions in the song ran through her mind that night. “My son, God’s Son, will one day rule the nations?!!”
As you celebrate the birth of your Savior, take a moment to ponder, as Mary did, the magnitude of this blessed event. Allow your mind to be filled with awe and wonder!
FURTHER READING:
Luke 1:26-38, 2:8-20
(1) © 1991 World Music/Rufus Music/ascap, by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.
