Mary

Mary was a Jewish woman who lived in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee, around 5 BCE. The land was ruled by the Roman Empire. Mary was promised in marriage to Joseph, a descendant of King David. God chose Mary to become the mother of Jesus, the promised Savior and Son of God. She was an ordinary young woman given an extraordinary part in God’s plan. Christians remember her for her faith, courage, humility, and loving care for Jesus.

Mary’s story is told especially in Luke 1 and 2 and Matthew 1 and 2. The angel Gabriel came to Mary and announced that she would have a son through the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary was surprised and troubled, yet she trusted God. She visited her relative Elizabeth, who was also expecting a special child, John the Baptist. Mary praised God with a joyful song. Before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because of a Roman census. The town was crowded, and there was no suitable guest room for them. Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid him in a manger, a feeding place for animals. Angels announced the good news to nearby shepherds, who hurried to see the baby. Matthew also tells how visitors called Magi later came from the east. They honored Jesus with valuable gifts. When King Herod threatened the child, Joseph took Mary and Jesus to safety in Egypt.

Mary’s story shows children that trusting God does not mean life will always be easy. Mary faced uncertainty, a tiring journey, danger, and sorrow. Still, she listened to God and cared faithfully for the child entrusted to her. Her example can help children practice courage, kindness, patience, and trust when they do not know what will happen next. Bethlehem is about six miles south of Jerusalem. After Herod died, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus returned from Egypt and made their home in Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. Mary later appears with Jesus at the wedding in Cana and remained near him at the cross, as told in John 2 and 19.