As a mother, I am drawn to Mary in the Christmas story, but I am also drawn to Mary in the story of Golgotha. I identify with her joy at the manger and grieve alongside her at the cross. From the beginning to the end, Mary is there, pondering the miracle of her baby’s birth, preparing for the burial of her Messiah’s body. What bewilderment must have danced in her head. What prayers must have crossed her lips. What tears must have carved her cheeks. What courage must have mounted in her heart.

And while we know she is most blessed among women, I think she is also most beloved among mothers. It is the simplicity of her faith that gives all of us hope—especially those of us whose children also suffer from ostracism and rejection. Like Mary, we watch our children be misunderstood and mistreated. We watch others judge our sons and daughters for who they think our children should be, while we know, in our hearts, who our loved ones really are. We see them passed by and dismissed, while we remember the dreams we once rocked in our arms.

Mary teaches me to hold fast to what God has told me about my son, no matter what misinformed family members, unkind onlookers or highly respected experts may say. Just as Mary believed that God’s power was big enough to redeem the world through her son, I must believe that God’s love is big enough to redeem my son’s world. Just as she believed what was promised about her child, so I too must believe what is promised about mine.

• He is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Psalm 139:14)
• God loves him with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
• God has begun good works in him and will complete them. (Philippians 1:6)
• Jesus Christ is with him always. (Matthew 28:20)
• Nothing will separate him from God’s love. (Romans 8:39).

This Christmas, may you find peace for your child in the hope of Mary’s Son.
Catherine