Mary, Did You Know? A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Connection

As the Christmas season reminds us of the miracle of Christ’s birth, let us pause and reflect on one of the most profound aspects of that story: Mary’s response to welcoming Jesus into her life. In Luke 1:26-38, we see Mary’s faithful and humble acceptance of God’s plan, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” But as the song "Mary, Did You Know?" so poignantly asks, could Mary have truly grasped the enormity of who Jesus would become and the impact He would have on the world? Let’s explore the depth of this question and how it applies to us today.

The Joy of Emmanuel: God With Us
This season often highlights both joy and sorrow. For many, the holidays come with reminders of loss, loneliness, or unfulfilled dreams. Yet, the message of Christ’s birth is one of “great joy that will be for all people” (Luke 2:10). This joy isn’t tied to circumstances but to the unchanging truth that God is with us. Jesus is Emmanuel, a Savior who steps into our pain and brings hope.
If you’ve been struggling with heaviness, depression, or grief, consider Mary’s example. She faced uncertainty and societal judgment, yet trusted God’s promise. Her faith reminds us that even in our hardest seasons, God’s joy and purpose can break through.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

How Mary’s Yes Transformed Everything
Mary’s “yes” to God wasn’t just an intellectual agreement. It was a wholehearted surrender that changed her life entirely. From the moment she welcomed Jesus, everything she did—feeding Him, protecting Him, raising Him—became a part of God’s eternal plan. This reminds us that when we welcome Jesus into our lives, everything becomes connected to Him.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
Whether it’s making dinner for your family, showing kindness to a coworker, or simply persevering through challenges, every act can become an act of worship. When Jesus is part of your life, nothing is mundane. Everything is purposeful.

Discovering Who Jesus Is Over Time
Mary didn’t know everything about Jesus when she said yes. As she lived with Him, she discovered more and more of who He was—not just Savior, but also Prince of Peace, Counselor, and Emmanuel. Similarly, our understanding of Jesus grows as we walk with Him. Through life’s ups and downs, He reveals His faithfulness, wisdom, and love in deeper ways.
Have you experienced Jesus as your Counselor when life felt confusing? Or as your Prince of Peace in the midst of chaos? Each season of life is an opportunity to know Him more intimately. Just as Mary saw Jesus’ faithfulness in her daily life, we can see His hand in both the extraordinary and the ordinary.
Reflection Question: How has saying “yes” to Jesus transformed your life?

The Gift of Love Wrapped in Flesh
At its core, the Christmas story is about God’s love. Jesus—fully God and fully man—is love wrapped in flesh, born to live among us and die for us. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
But God’s love isn’t just a concept; it’s a gift that must be received. Have you opened your heart fully to His love? Like Mary, we’re invited to welcome Jesus not just into our thoughts but into every part of our being. When we do, we find that His love transforms our lives, filling us with hope, purpose, and connection.

Your Daily Life Is Worship
Sometimes we compartmentalize our lives, thinking certain actions are spiritual while others are just routine. But when Jesus is at the center, everything becomes holy. Whether you’re working at a job, caring for your family, or serving in your community, you are connected to God’s eternal purpose. John 15:4 reminds us, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.”
As we remain connected to Jesus, our lives bear fruit—not just in the church, but in every space we occupy. Your career, your relationships, even your quiet moments at home—all are opportunities to live out God’s love and purpose.
“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

A Call to Receive Jesus
This Christmas, let’s reflect on how we’ve welcomed Jesus into our lives. Have we received Him fully, or just in part? Have we allowed Him into every area of our hearts, our homes, and our daily routines? Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Today is the perfect time to reaffirm your faith or take the step of inviting Jesus into your life for the first time.

Next Steps

1. Join us for a service at Calvary Orlando. Experience the joy of worship and community this Christmas season.
2. Explore More Blog Posts. Discover more reflections and insights on faith and daily living.
3. Share Your Story. How has Jesus transformed your life? We’d love to hear from you.

Like Mary, our understanding of Jesus grows as we walk with Him. The more we open our hearts to Him, the more we see how He transforms every part of our lives. This Christmas, let’s celebrate the gift of Jesus—God’s love wrapped in flesh—and live in the fullness of His joy, peace, and purpose.

Take a moment to reflect: How is Jesus calling you to say yes to Him today? Whether it’s trusting Him in a new area of your life, seeking His wisdom, or simply resting in His love, may this season be a time of renewal and deeper connection with your Savior.