Did Mary Compare?

 “Comparison is the thief of joy” 


I’ve seen it to be true in my own life. I can be happy with my home and decorations until I’m scrolling on social media and see something better. 


What if Mary did that? 


Mary, the mother of Jesus, could’ve compared her life to others. 


She rode on a donkey for miles on end with a big pregnant belly. When I was 8 months pregnant I rode in an old fashioned carriage and it was so bumpy and painful I can somewhat imagine what it could’ve felt like for her. Uncomfortable to say the least. 

 

Mary and Joseph traveled between 60-90 miles to the census, part of which was over hills. 

 

Mary didn’t have the excitement of monogrammed wedding shower gifts, parties and getaways (except when she went to see Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist). 


She carried the shame of a young, pregnant, unwed mother. She knew she was a virgin, but the town didn’t. 


If you’ve seen The Nativity, you may notice that Mary watches her young friends carelessly laugh and play, but she knows she has to grow up fast and raise the Son of God. The look on her face showed it all. She did ponder things in her heart. 


Mary could’ve wondered why God didn’t have room in the Inn for Jesus to be born in. 


Other travelers had a private room and maybe a bed but she had a stable with smelly animals. Although it did allow room for the shepherds and the wise men to visit. And maybe it allowed for a quicker escape when they had to flee from Herod. It definitely provided the source of our Christmas decorations, the nativity with the animals, the angel, the shepherds, Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. 


If Mary would’ve been too busy comparing herself to others, she would’ve missed the miracle of the moment she was experiencing right in front of her eyes. 


Behold. Jesus. The Lamb of God. Your Savior. 


Your JOY. 





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