I was asked to play Mary in the Christmas pageant more than once. I had long brown hair and my age fit the part. Only once did I have to hold a real infant in my arms, and I remember working hard to discreetly cover the baby’s ears so the orchestra and choir wouldn’t cause him to cry. I hoped it was a sweet time for the crowd, but I was relieved to get through it with no problems. I only played a small role in the pageant, but I remember thinking later how incredibly difficult that first Christmas truly was for Mary. 

The angel told her that she, a virgin, would give birth to a son. She had all the questions any young woman would have, then said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Jesus chose Mary because she understood that the highest purpose for her life was to live as a servant of the Lord. 

Mary would have cared about how her family, friends, and community would be impacted by her news. She was surely worried about telling Joseph. She had every reason to say no except one: she was called to serve the Lord. So, she said, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

Later, when Mary saw Elizabeth, she received her first encouragement. Elizabeth, filled with God’s Spirit, confirmed and affirmed Mary’s pregnancy. The Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise and begins with the words, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47). Mary was honored to be chosen and used by God.

Jesus chose Mary to be his mother because she knew how to serve. Jesus chose Mary because she knew how to put God’s calling ahead of anything else, even those who were most important to her life. Jesus chose Mary because her soul rejoiced at the chance to serve. Mary is one of the finest examples in Scripture of what it means to trust the Lord with all of our heart, not leaning on human understanding but in every way knowing and accepting God’s calling. It is then we will allow God to direct our path.

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. I wish I had known more about Mary before I was asked to fill her role in the Christmas pageant. If I do that again, hopefully it will be with her heart, the heart of a servant.