Mary of Nazareth: A Journey of Extraordinary Courage, Unwavering Faith, and Radical Obedience
Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus, holding Baby Jesus. Image is from "Mary Mother of Jesus" children’s book by Arabella Penrose. All rights reserved. 2023.
As Christmas draws closer and I read the book of Luke, my mind keeps going back to the story of Mary. Last year, when I was working on her story for my children's book series, I was so touched by her extraordinary courage, her unwavering faith, and her complete surrender to God's will. Now, with the city aglow with lights and carols filling the air, I am struck once again by how we too often hurry past the peaceful nativity scene without truly grasping the profound depth of Mary's journey—a journey from which we can learn lessons about trusting God, even when His plans seem impossible to understand.
A Young Girl's Calling
Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus, standing in an olive grove. Image is from "Mary Mother of Jesus" children’s book by Arabella Penrose. All rights reserved. 2023.
Now imagine Mary being this young woman in Nazareth, probably only about fifteen or sixteen years of age. Most likely, her life was routine: helping the family, preparing for marriage to Joseph, and living a reserved life in that little village. Then one day, an angel appeared with news that would change not only her life but also the course of human history.
The angel's message must have been overwhelming, possibly even frightening: she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear the Son of God. In that moment, Mary faced a choice that required incredible courage. She knew that saying yes to God meant risking everything—her reputation, her engagement to Joseph, and potentially her life in a society where unwed pregnancy could result in death by stoning.
Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus, surprised by angel visitation. Image is from "Mary Mother of Jesus" children’s book by Arabella Penrose. All rights reserved. 2023.
Courage in the Face of Uncertainty
What strikes me most about Mary's response is her immediate surrender to God's will. Despite the enormous implications, she simply says, "Let it be to me according to your word." This was not blind acceptance; it was courageous faith. She chose to trust God, though she could not understand how all this would take place.
I've often wondered about the days following the visit from the angel. Had she wrestled with dread about how Joseph would receive the news? Fears of what her folks would say? Even amidst these times of uncertainty, Mary was incredibly strong. She did not hide away because of shame or fear. She went to see her cousin Elizabeth, where she was comforted by their shared miraculous pregnancies.
Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus, laughing with joy with Cousin Elizabeth over their shared miraculous pregnancies. Image is from "Mary Mother of Jesus" children’s book by Arabella Penrose. All rights reserved. 2023.
A Mother's Journey
Mary's journey was not at all easy. Think of the long trip to Bethlehem, heavily pregnant, to find no suitable place to give birth. Think of the mixture of joy and awe when shepherds and wise men came to worship her newborn son amidst the weight of responsibility that came with rearing the Son of God.
Her faith was tested repeatedly—fleeing to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod, losing him for three days in Jerusalem when he was twelve, and watching him begin his ministry while facing growing opposition. Through it all, Mary "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." She held onto God's promises even when they were impossible to understand.
Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus, sitting with Jesus Christ, her son as a teenager. Image is from "Mary Mother of Jesus" children’s book by Arabella Penrose. All rights reserved. 2023.
The Ultimate Test of Faith
Perhaps the greatest test of Mary's courage came at the foot of the cross. To see her son suffer had to be agonizing, but she was there, literally to the end, faithful. The prophecy that "a sword will pierce through your own soul" was fulfilled as she saw Jesus die. Yet even then, her faith did not waver.
Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus, sitting, crying at the foot of the cross during Jesus’ death. Image is from "Mary Mother of Jesus" children’s book by Arabella Penrose. All rights reserved. 2023.
But God wasn't finished writing Mary's story. Three days later, her sorrow turned to joy as Jesus rose from the dead, fulfilling everything the angel had promised at the very beginning. Her son truly was the Savior, the Son of God, whose kingdom would have no end. Mary always knew.
Jesus Christ resurrected coming out of the tomb after three days. Image is from "Mary Mother of Jesus" children’s book by Arabella Penrose. All rights reserved. 2023.
Lessons from Mary's Example
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, Mary's story teaches us profound truths about walking with God:
True courage often means saying yes to God, even when His plans seem impossible.
Faith requires trust not just at the moment of calling, but throughout the entire journey.
Obedience to God may bring challenges, but it also brings unimaginable blessings.
God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes when we surrender to His will.
This Christmas, you may be standing in your own impossible situation, struggling to understand God's plan. Like Mary, God may be calling you to faith even though you can't see His entire plan. The very God who enabled Mary to live out her calling is ready now to work through you.
Will you, like Mary, have the courage to say, "Let it be to me according to your word"?
To share Mary's inspiring story with your children this Christmas, check out my rhyming picture book, Mary, Mother of Jesus: A Story about Courage, Faith, and Obedience—part of my Real Women Heroes of the Bible series, bringing biblical role models to life for today's generation.
Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus, worshipping God. Image is from "Mary Mother of Jesus" children’s book by Arabella Penrose. All rights reserved. 2023.
