Mary’s Questions

Lord, you have done great things

and holy is your name!

For unto us a child is born

and holy is your name!

For you have shown mercy to your handmaid

and holy is your name!

From the angel’s first appearance

I’ve waited for this moment.

Confident in your plan,

confident that all generations will call me blessed.

Confident, when Joseph doubted me,

when my parents did not understand,

when my friends laughed at me,

and turned the other way.

Confident, in the face of a journey

decreed by Rome’s power,

a journey to this city of David.

Confident even in my labour pains

that you would deliver me.

And tonight I brought forth my first-born son.

Here he lies, in my arms;

a tiny baby, beautiful and perfect.

A future king, you say, destined for a throne.

Here in this stable, a king!

Truly you have exalted those of low degree.

Nine months ago, the angel came

planting words in my heart

The power of the most High overshadowing me.

Tonight that angel appeared again

to shepherds in their fields.

In glory the angel told them of a Saviour

Christ the Lord, born this night.

You appeared to the shepherds

but it is I who need your counsel.

Gabriel, come again to me,

I must question you.

I’ve called my son Jesus.

“Jesus, Son of the Highest,

reigning over the House of David forever,”

those were your words.

But how shall he take his throne?

Who will recognise him?

Joseph and I are ordinary people,

we don’t know how to raise a king!

This night we have become parents

to such a child as this.

The shepherds tell of a star,

will this sign bring help for me?

Of all the babies in Bethlehem tonight

this is the one you’ve destined to bring salvation

and I do not know how this will be accomplished.

This child brings peace on earth,

but my heart is filled with questions.

God, through your tender mercy

calm my fears

and guide my feet into this way of peace.

I am a handmaid of the Lord.