Born Of A Virgin
What does that mean, "born of a Virgin"? Some kind of artificial insemination or something? We can do that. We can even clone. Whats the big deal? Where is the so called 'Miracle'? Let's see, where do i begin?
The time is around 4 B.C. Rome rules the world, The Temple is the center of Hebrew life under the occupation. Throughout Judea there is a feeling of expectation. Something is coming. But what? Some feel the time has come to throw off the rule of the oppressors, many become freedom fighters, underground gorillas. Others look to the Prophets of ancient Scripture, they promise GOD's redemption and a coming King over Israel. New prophets arise, fueling the fires of both camps. Atop this seething explosive mass stand the Priests and scribes, walking the wire between their Roman Lords and their impatient people.
Out of this world of intrigue comes a simple child, not quite in her teens. As a member of the Family of Levi her uncles and cousins were priests in the temple. As a woman of her time she could look forward to the day she would become a wife and a mother, though such things were well in her future. She did like the man her father had chosen to be her husband some day. He was a nice man, gentle though strong of body. Yet even though they had performed the betrothal ceremonies, and she loved him dearly, she was still too young to think of him as a husband. He seemed more like an older brother, or even uncle. Such things still seemed very distant for a young girl who had yet to reach maturity.
Mary spent much time in prayer. She had always been strong in her faith, and took her belief much more seriously than others her age. She had a closeness with her GOD that few ever experience. By custom, girls were not trained in the Scripture as boys were, but she had lived her life among priests, and she often had played at their feet while they had heated theological debates. She was truly wise beyond her years and quite mature despite her young age.
Mary's maturity and studied wisdom had not prepared her for where she found herself now. Pregnant at the age of twelve, before she had even had her first period. In the Hebrew culture such a thing was unpardonable. An unwed mother was unheard of, and for a betrothed woman to be carrying a child, that was not her husbands, was Adultry, punishable by death. No, this was not Joseph's child, she had not found the words yet to tell him. Though she did not fear anger from such a kind man, she knew it would hurt him deeply. She prayed he could understand.
Of course no one suspected a thing, she was just a child. She wanted support, and advice, but not from her parents, not yet. Her cousin, Elisabeth, was her closest confidant. She shared Mary's love of GOD and wise spirit. She was much older than Mary and had always been more like a favorite Aunt than a cousin. Mary knew she would understand, and offer good advice. She also knew, though Elisabeth had always been barren and childless, she now carried a child. Her cousin's miraculous pregnancy was somehow linked to her own. So Mary left her home and went to visit her cousin.
After much talking and praying with Elisabeth, it was time to face Joseph. Mary knew him to be a man of faith, and knew he would not react until he had time to think and pray. Joseph listened quietly as she layed her heart out to him. She told him of the visitation of Gabriel, the over shadowing of the Holy Spirit, all that the LORD had spoken to her heart; She told him about Elisabeth and how her unborn child lept when Mary came near and how he too had been foretold by Gabriel. Joseph gave no sign as she told him everything, then quietly he went away. He had much to think over, much to decide.
Joseph was a good and faithful man. He had worked hard all his life to make a home for himself and his future wife. He looked forward to the day when Mary would be of age and they would at last marry. He patiently awaited the sounds of children in the house, sons to train up, to be carpenters as he was. But all that seemed shattered in one afternoon. Mary pregnant, little Mary. She was still only a child herself. He had not even planned to marry her for several more years. She was too young to have a child. Too young to be a wife. What should he do?
Joseph was in his rights to publicly denounce Mary, and demand her father return his dowry. Her family would be humiliated and she, most likely, would be stoned at the gate. And these stories of angels, GOD's child, miracles, perhaps being pregnant so young, or the guilt she felt, had driven her mad. But this was Mary, wise, mature, sweet Mary. He could not hurt her. Her life would be hard enough. He would talk to her father, handle this quietly. She could be sent away. But first, as always in all things he would seek GOD. He returned home to pray.
This young couple found themselves in a situation totally beyond their control and beyond their limited experience. Yet they did not allow themselves to be ruled by fear, doubt, or even anger. They quietly honored GOD and followed HIS will without knowing where it would lead. They stepped out on faith, putting their own lives in GOD's hands, knowing only that the future would be nothing like they had planned or even imagined. Mary sacrificed her youth, going from a twelve year old child to a mother and wife; Joseph, his dreams of a simple home and family. Now his first born son and heir was not even his own child, and his betrothed wife would bear her first child before he was allowed to consumate their marriage. But in their hearts they both prayed, as their son would some day, "Nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done".
Yes the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ was a miraculous event. From His Divine parentage, to the willing service of His earthly parents. No, science can never copy such devotion to GOD nor the power of GOD in forming, in the womb of a child, His first begotten Son.
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