Mary, Mary quite contrary

Each year, as the teacher stood with her crinkled paper list in hand, I held my breath. Each year, the assigned part went to a quiet, obedient girl. Hint: it wasn’t me. I was loud, contrary, and prone to argument. Still am, most days. I was given the donkey, the narrator, the angel. Loud, bold roles. But sweet Mary who said let it be unto me as you have said? Not me.

But then, at twelve years old, I made my desire known. I was the pastor’s daughter so maybe that got me some sway, but however it happened, I got to be Mary and sing the solo. A sweet young mother with a professionally-trained soprano helped me with the tone. On the night of the pageant I sang loudly and clearly:

My soul will magnify the Lord, my spirit bears his song. He has remembered his humble servant so I cannot silence my voice.

This Christmas as I listened to a trio of young ladies sing a rendition of the Magnificat, I once again wondered if I would be chosen. Not to play Mary in the school pageant, but to accomplish God’s humble tasks. I’m still loud, contrary, and prone to argument. When I’m asked to complete a task, my first response is not let it be unto me as you have said, but usually why.

My admiration of Mary is not unique- over the past 2000 years she has been revered, written about, and prayed to. Her legacy leaves us all a little curious I think. Why did she accept so humbly and willingly? Could we do the same?

Today is the second day of Christmas. A day we often put aside the manger and move on to family gatherings and NYE preparations. But as we look to the new year, I invite you to reflect with me on humble acceptance. Not a lazy, spineless obedience, but the kind of true trust in a God who has our eternal good secured. Let it be unto us as You have said.