My third child was born one week before Christmas. It was definitely a special time in my life as I reflected on another mother so long ago. It made Christmas extra special that year having a newborn baby in the house. I prepared this study to look further into the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and what we can learn from recorded scripture. Fewer than ten days of her life are recorded but there is still much we can gain from studying what is written not only about Mary but also her own words and reactions to the events that occurred.
The study guide has scriptures to read with questions or statements to prompt deeper thought. Each of the events at the beginning of Luke are looked at in greater detail. Another study guide will be created for events later after Mary and Joseph’s flight into Egypt.
As I’ve studied about Mary I’ve come to know her as a women of great faith and courage who trusted in God. She probably did not know all that would transpire in her life or that of her Son just as we do not know what we will go through in our lives but she showed her trust in the answers she gave to Gabriel and the words of the Magnificat spoken to Elisabeth. She truly was one whose “soul magnified the Lord.”
May your study of Mary help your faith be bolstered this Christmas season!
Additional Online Reading to enhance your study:
Mary has always held a special place in my heart as well. I don’t think any of us can fully comprehend what she went through, but I know as a mother I can relate to her. She really must have been a wonderful woman. Thank you for the study guide. Have a very merry Christmas!!
You know that the wacky Catholics have a wonderfully special fondness for Mary. I enjoy talking about her to my own children, especially my daughters. I know there is so much in Mary’s short presence that we can use in our own lives. I often find myself asking for her guidance as I deal with a difficult child issue….if she can raise the Savior, surely she has words of wisdom for little me.
Usually, those words are, “My son isn’t finished forming that child, so just love him/ her and let my son do his work.”
Sarah Hart has a beautifully prayerful song about Joseph written from Mary’s perspective. A song asking the Lord to touch the heart of her man. Something I know all wives often do. Check it out at
http://www.spiritandsong.com/articles/14811. I love the thought of an innocent young woman remembering to guard and reflect upon her chosen mate.
What a wonderful study guide that will help so may of us this Christmas! I would like to share it with the sisters in my Ward to help them focus on womanhood, motherhood, the role of Mary in our lives and the birth, life and mission of the Savior. Thank you so much!
I LOVE how Mary accepted her lot even when she knew what it meant to be a maiden in those days to be pregnant and not married. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” I LOVE how Joseph accepted his lot, even when he knew what it meant in those days to be betrothed to a pregnant, unmarried maiden. GREAT examples of faith, both.