I had never heard Mary of Nazareth referred to as the first Christian until one Sunday, when my pastor peeled back some layers of Luke, chapters one and two.
My head spun. In writing Christmas cantatas and children’s programs—as well as several services each Christmas season at church and home, probably five hundred times—never had I thought of Mary in this way.
The angel Gabriel told her not to be afraid. Facing an unparalleled dilemma, Mary responded, “How can this be?” She knew how babies happened, and they were not born to virgins. So, how was this going to work? Being a Jew in Roman-occupied territory was difficult enough for anyone. But this? Prospects weren’t good for an unmarried girl in Israel who became pregnant.
She received her answer but wanted details. The Holy Spirit would come upon her and overshadow her, and the child would be the Son of God. Gabriel gave her some proof. Her older barren cousin, Elizabeth, carried a special child. This wasn’t normal either. But then again, nothing is impossible with God.
Mary’s response was the kicker. Having been told what God wanted to do with her, she believed in the Son of God and made her choice: “I am a servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
This is the pattern for each of us. We claim to be Christians, servants of our Lord. God expects us to ask questions. We aren’t blind followers of an unseen God. When we ask questions, He gives us answers in varied ways through His Word. We must trust enough to expect answers. We must listen, although we may not always understand. Our answer should mimic Mary’s.
Sometimes God’s word for us is hard: the circumstances we face, the relationships we lose, and the risks we take to stand up for Him. We sometimes learn painful lessons. Still, we must desire God’s will, not ours.
Mary accepted God’s role for her, and I suppose Joseph was the second Christian. He followed through on Gabriel’s words to him and took responsibility for the Son of God.
Don’t shy away from God’s plan for you. Nothing is impossible with God.
Melody Morrison was born a musician and poet, playing piano by ear at four and writing her first poems and songs at six. Growing up as the preacher’s daughter in a family of six, life centered around family and church activities. After too much education, she spent many years teaching music, theatre, and special education while acting, singing in and directing church choirs, and writing articles, Bible studies, curriculum, stories, scripts, and musicals. The mother of four grown children who married and were fruitful and multiplied to produce seven grandchildren, she enjoys spending time being Gramma and getting to know these remarkable individuals. She and her husband travel and make beautiful music together. Melody’s greatest passion is encouraging people of every age and background to recognize and celebrate their own value as treasures of the Creator of the universe. She prays her efforts by the grace of God will support this endeavor.