When Christian singer/songwriters Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene collaborated on the modern Christmas classic “Mary Did You Know?” they hit on some meaningful themes that inspire millions each year. Honestly, I think they were a little presumptuous asking a pregnant lady or mother of a young child so many questions, but at least the song doesn’t wait for her responses! She had enough on her mind.
I have questions too, but I’ll leave Mary and Elizabeth alone and let them have some space. Instead, I’ll focus my inquiries on the other characters in the Christmas story.
Zechariah, father of John the Baptist
What did you think about during the months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy when you couldn’t speak?
When you resumed speaking at John’s circumcision and naming, did you know the Spirit of God was speaking through you?
Joseph betrothed to Mary
Did your father, Jacob, or Grandfather, Matthan, ever speak about the coming Messiah?
After the angel of the Lord spoke to you about Mary’s pregnancy, did you ever doubt what you needed to do?
Shepherds in the fields tending their flocks by night
Did you praise God, along with the great company of heavenly hosts that appeared? Or were you still too awestruck and afraid?
When the angels departed, who among you spoke first and what did they say?
Angels and heavenly hosts
When you received your orders to speak to us humans about the coming Messiah, did you have great joy doing it?
Simeon, in the Temple
When you saw the baby with Mary and Joseph for the first time in the Temple, did you think to yourself this was the best day of your life?
What did you do the rest of the day after they departed?
Prophet Anna, in the Temple
You spent decades in the Temple. worshipping after becoming a widow. How did you feel when you saw baby Jesus for the first time?
How did your worship change?
King Herod
Why did the birth of Jesus pose such a threat to you?
What did you think when you heard the cries of the mothers and fathers who had their young babies killed by your soldiers?
Do you regret anything?
God our Father, Maker of heaven and Earth
Was it difficult to see your Son leave heaven, knowing what was in store for him?
Why do you love us so much that you sent your Son to save us?
When we celebrate Jesus’ birth every year at Christmas, do you look over at him seated at your right hand and smile?
Merry Christmas to all.
