“Mary, Did You Know?” is my husband’s very favorite Christmas song, and I love it, too. It was written in 1991 by Mark Lowry, with music by Buddy Greene, when both were part of the Gaither Vocal Band. Since then it has been recorded and performed beautifully by many artists.
One reason it captures us so is that it takes us right back to the moment described in Luke 1 when Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her, “Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33).
The lyrics in the song go on to outline all the things Mary couldn’t possibly have known as a teenager in Nazareth, surprised and frightened by the appearance of God’s messenger. Things she couldn’t even know as she held her newborn son after he was born: That He would one day walk on water, save our sons and daughters, give sight to a blind man, calm the storm with His hand…that He was, in fact, the great I Am! Perhaps the most touching line in the song is, “When you kiss your little baby, you’ll kiss the face of God.”
No, Mary couldn’t possibly know all the joys and sorrows that this assignment from God would bring her. But she knew God, and she trusted Him. After asking just one quite reasonable question, “How will this be…since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34), Mary submitted herself completely to God’s will for her life. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).
Mary was called blessed among women. Yes, there was great heartache, but Mary’s assignment brought her many blessings as well. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling with something God is asking of you? Trust and submit to His will. The blessings will follow.
First published by Fellowship of the Rockies, Christmas 2016.
Jim B (your loving huzzband) says
OK so now I am humming this beautiful melody all day. Thanks
Nancy says
You’ll bring joy wherever you go! 🙂
Lea Ann Brookens says
This comes on a morning I’ve been pondering the beauty of a newborn babe. My newest grandson was born a little over a year ago and as I held him I was struck with how fully he was the “image of God”. Not yet marred by sin or the ravage of time (as I looked at his flawless skin next to mine!). Makes this song even more poignant – just can’t imagine what Mary was thinking as she gazed at her newborn. Wow!!
Nancy says
I agree, Lea Ann. It leaves us awestruck. Merry Christmas!
Jimmie says
Beautiful, and Joseph’s Song is right up with it…amazing!
Merry Christmas
Nancy says
Thank you, Jimmie!
Elizabeth Van Liere says
Nancy, I have a tape of Mark Lowry singing this wonderful song. Others have sung it as well, but because he wrote it his express thoughts come beautifully through the words. Thank you for sharing. .
Nancy says
Of course our grandkids have no idea what a tape is–but I agree, his is the best rendition!
alice ferguson says
one of my favorites also!
thanks, Nancy!