Music Monday: "Mary, Did You Know? " by Mark Lowry

Music Monday: "Mary, Did You Know? " by Mark Lowry

 

As I began writing this post, I questioned my song choice; after all, it is the day after Christmas-shouldn't we focus on keeping the spirit of Christmas "alive" all year long?

While that's all well and good, I think we often forget the awe of the holiday itself. I mean, think about it – this is the fulfillment of a prophecy over 400 years old. The most well-page on known passage is Isaiah 9:6, which says: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (NIV)

Still…

Some people doubted. Take Zechariah, for example. When the angel Gabriel came to share the good news of Elizabeth's pregnancy, he questioned how that would be possible-being that they were old and up in years. He didn't believe it was possible, and as a consequence of his unbelief, he was struck mute until John the Baptist was born.

When Gabriel brought the news to Mary and Joseph, the reaction was drastically different. Even though she questioned the angel, "How will this be since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1: 34), she believed. Yes, she had concerns and openly shared those with Gabriel in an open and honest conversation.

Luke 1 & 2 are practically the only two books of the Bible that attempt to share the birth of the Messiah from a mother's perspective. As a result, readers get their first glimpse at the immense responsibility placed upon Mary's shoulders when Luke describes how Mary "treasured these things in her heart." (Luke 2:19).

 In addition, Mark Lowry's song, "Mary Did You Know?" attempts to explore Jesus' birth from a mother's perspective. Although people question the song and its place among contemporary Christian Christmas music, it gives a realistic portrayal of what it might have felt like to realize you are carrying the Messiah in your womb?

Can you recognize the difference between Zechariah's and Mary's perspectives? Of course, belief is the main ingredient, but I believe it's more than that. Attitude is critical as well. It gives the true state or condition of one's heart- through their actions as well as their words. Zechariah's response was one of disobedience and unbelief while Mary's response was one of obedience and trust; yes, she questioned, but in the end, she believed replying, "I am the Lord's servant… May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1: 38)

To listen to Mark Lowry's version of "Mary Did You Know?", it can be accessed at:

https://youtu.be/bXmfkFoX-PE