A Very “Mary” Christmas

What a wild story.

The Christmas story opens with an angel showing up unannounced at a young woman’s doorstep, and honestly—it has everything great stories are made of: an evil villain (hello, Herod), shocking plot twists (a manger?!), and a hero who changes the world forever.

Recently I heard the phrase “Mary Christmas,” and I keep mentally swinging back to it.  

Because while a *Merry* Christmas is joyful and bright, a *Mary* Christmas is unexpected.

Mary is minding her own business, wearing her promise ring to Joseph, when a divine interuption shows up making the boldest claim imaginable. "Hey, no big deal, but you're gonna supernaturally get pregnant soon—with the Savior of the world.”

Say what now?  I can picture her jaw hitting the floor.  Shoot, she was probably just trying to keep her legs under her and keep her bum from hitting the floor!  

Pregnancies that seem impossible aren’t new in Scripture. Sarai laughed when she heard God’s plan. Just a page earlier, Zechariah lost his voice because of his doubt. But Mary? Mary asked a few honest questions—and then responded with a posture that clearly pleased the Lord:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Zero chance she understood it all

One hundred percent chance she still had a million questions.

And yet—"Yes, Lord." Your servant is willing.

As we get closer to flipping the calendar to a new year, dare I make some assumptions about your 2025?  I assume it has held some unexpected chapters. Some twists you didn’t see coming. Some questions you are still waiting on the answers for.

My prayer for both of us is this: that even in our confusion, we would have the courage to say, *“Yes, Lord. Do what you want.  Your servant is willing." 

As we head into Christmas week, my hope for you is peace that surprises you, joy that steadies you, and the courage to say yes—even when the story feels unfinished.

Wishing you a very Mary Christmas 🤍.

With Love and Fizz,

-Devan