Around this time of year…

Mother Mary

Advent Ritual

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6

’“I am the Lord’s servant, ” Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38

Around This Time of Year…

Around this time of year, I am celebrating Advent and put out for display the figures that go into my creche. I usually start with placing the ceramic Mary in the scene.

I know that Mary is the teenage mother of her baby boy, Jesus, but I have not personally previously written or studied her. My religious upbringing did not emphasize the importance of Mary.

But Mary is the young woman who leads an ordinary life who then became the center of the birth prophesies. I have overlooked her and her importance in my studies. I am attempting to correct that now.

Mary being a humble servant of the Lord was visited by a very important angel, Gabriel.

Mary knew from her Jewish background that the Messiah’s birth was coming and probably prayed He would come soon but she was surprised by the appearance of the mighty archangel that came to speak to her.