Day 22 Hard to Explain

Day 22 Hard to Explain

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34 English Standard Version

I teach at a small parochial school. One year a female student turned up pregnant. After much soul-searching and prayer, we let her, and the father, go. They were allowed to finish the semester but could not attend the next semester. It was a painful experience for all involved, especially for the young woman and her family. While some might criticize the decision, I understood the reasoning and supported it, and still do. The young woman kept her child and later was allowed to return to continue her scholastic pursuits. Her family has supported her and from my vantage point, she’s done very well. I admire her and her family. In a tough situation, they behaved very well, setting a fine example of how to sort through a mistake with grace and compassion. What could have been bitter, ugly, and dark, is slowly working out. As this Christmas season has unfolded, I often think of her and of Mary.

While the Bible remains silent on the subject, Mary must have suffered through this inexplicable pregnancy. Virgins do not get pregnant. It just doesn’t work that way. Yet, this is what God asked her to do. Perhaps that is why she went and spent some time visiting Elizabeth. Again, we do not know. Whatever happened, surely Mary, and Joseph, endured the odd looks, awkward pauses, rumors, and sidelong glances. They did so to fulfill God’s promise. Often God asks His followers to endure uncomfortable situations. Now, you and I know the rest of the story. We understand the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy. We rejoice in the result. But then, it must have been a difficult and painful time. It was good that Mary had Elizabeth to turn to. As part of the unfolding nativity, Elizabeth would know and understand. 

So just perhaps, the next time we run into one of those awkward situations we can show a bit of grace and compassion instead of judgment and censure. After all, the mother of our Lord endured significant embarrassment so we might enjoy Christmas. Besides, we all know the pain of the result of a moment's reckless folly.