Mary, Mother of Jesus

Be it unto Me, by Liz Lemon Swindle

 I have been reading the beginning chapters of the four gospels this week as part of my New Testament class. I have been so touched as I learn and read about Mary. As a mother, I am so drawn to her. I can relate to some of the feelings she must have had, and others I can only imagine. When she first was visited by the angel and learned of her sacred calling, she was humbled and said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38) 

Simeon Reverencing the Christ Child, by Greg Olsen

I love these verses, known as the "Song of Mary:" (Luke 1:43, 46-55)

 43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

As I study her life and her unique parenting challeges, I am strengthened and I want to be more like her. I think Virginia U. Jensen said it best when she said of Mary, "Her faith, obedience, and humility set a standard for all women."

Boy Jesus in the Temple, by Grant R. Clawson

 The story of the Savior, at age 12 really got to me this week. I have heard this story many times, but there were some additional details that I did not realize until this week. Mary and Joseph were traveling home with family. They assumed that Jesus was with relatives but somewhere along the way, they realized he was not in the company of travelers.

As a mother, I have had moments when I realized my children were not with me, and that I had left them somewhere. This is a terrifying feeling and I am sure Mary was heartsick.
She and Joseph returned to find Jesus in the temple, teaching scholars about the gospel. She asked Jesus, "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." To which He famously replied, "How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 1:48-49)

My favorite part of this story is in Luke 1:51, "but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." Mary was in a unique position and must have been constanty amazed at her son, Jesus Christ. I love the reverence and the stillness in those words, she kept these experiences in her heart. She had so many spiritual experiences and an overwhelming love for this boy who was also her teacher and Savior. She pondered on these things and treasured them in her heart.

He has taught me and likewise shown me love and kindness. Sometimes I am weak and I do not understand. He is patient and teaches me and helps me understand. He is my advocate in every sense of the word. He reaches for me and lifts me. Like Mary, I treasure these sacred experiences in my heart. How wonderful it is to be loved by the Savior of the world! How wonderful to know that He knows me and is always there for me!