The following is a creative interpretation of what it might have been like for Mary as she gave birth to Jesus.

Nothing Would Ever Be the Same

She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” -Luke 2:7 (NLT)

Did Mary survey her humble surroundings, wondering how to navigate labor in this unexpected place? Joseph had exhausted all other options. Somehow it would be enough.

Was there a sense that this simple backdrop was hand-selected? That is was an intentional detail—essential to the greater story unfolding?

Walking this road had caused Mary to let go of her ideas for the future and exchange them for Yahweh’s will.

Joseph’s steady presence and quiet strength had been a comfort as Mary’s faith and figure expanded. She had grown under the weight of this sacred assignment and the unparalleled delight of being chosen to carry the Messiah. 

Mary was sheltered yet exposed, similar to how she had felt for much of this journey. Pain and joy intertwined.

Did another contraction nearly take her breath away, demanding her focus? Did Mary shut her eyes, tucking her chin to her chest—tightened her fists, bracing herself?

It was almost time to meet the baby, the Promised One prophesied about for centuries. The firstborn of all creation.

Deep breath in….and out. Yahweh, give me strength.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law” -Galatians 4:4

Wail of Release

Mary, a willing vessel in the care of the Almighty, bore down, bringing forth Jesus through water and blood—foreshadowing the means by which we can be saved from sin and be born again, into a living, eternal hope.

1 John 5:6-7 says, “And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony.” 

What went through Mary’s mind as the King of Kings was ushered into the world with one final, guttural push? Mary’s wail of release was met with the response of a small yet mighty cry from the newborn.

He’s here. At last.

Seismic Shift

There was no fanfare to Jesus’s arrival on earth. But was there a seismic shift in the atmosphere? A before and after? A then and now? Did a multitude of heavenly hosts erupt in praise? It was happening!

Expectancy kissed reality. Waiting met its fulfillment. Prophecies came true. New life—hope with skin on.

The finish line of Mary’s pregnancy was the starting point to even greater surrender and sacrifice.

It was worship.

As Mary carefully wrapped her newborn baby in strips of cloth, did she have any idea this was a picture of a pure, spotless lamb being wrapped for future sacrifice?

The lamb who would take away the sins of the world had come. Nothing would ever be the same.

Let’s pray…

Dear God:

You know all about the struggle I’m facing. Help me see You here—right here, in the weight of suffering. Teach me how to remain expectant, even when I feel like I can hardly hold onto hope anymore. May I not recoil from the sacred ground of suffering, but reach out for You. I am well aware of my shortcomings and weaknesses. Help me become ever more aware of Your Sufficiency and unlimited strength. Give me wisdom to lean my full weight into You, knowing that You will not let me go. Thank You Jesus that You are enough—more than enough—for everything I need. I don’t labor alone, You are working through me. What a privilege to be a vessel You choose to use, even now. Help me turn my attention toward You—more aware of Your Presence, Holy Spirit, than ever before. I entrust myself to Your keeping, Father. Thank You for taking such good care of me. You wrap me in the comfort of Your Word and the assurance of Your steadfast love. With each breath you’ve given me, I will praise You. Amen.