We all know the Christmas story – the baby in the manger, the star, the angel, the shepherds.

But how often do we read past that, to the second part of Luke 2, to what happened when Jesus was about six weeks old? As a mom who has lost a child, this part of the story has impacted me greatly. 

In Luke 2:22-38,  Mary and Joseph, obedient to the Jewish law, go to the temple to offer the purification sacrifice after childbirth and to present their firstborn son. 

There, a righteous and devout man named Simeon takes Jesus in his arms, gives a blessing, and acknowledges Him as the one who will bring salvation to the world. 

Verse 33 says that Mary and Joseph “marveled at what was said” about their Son. What an incredible moment for a mom! Mary must have felt so joyful and excited and blessed. Of course, the angel had already revealed this message to her before her Son’s birth, but how wonderful to hear it being confirmed now by this Spirit-filled man! What a special and heart-warming sign!  But then Simeon turns to Mary with some words that are completely unexpected.  

“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.” (Luke 2:34-35)

Yes, this newborn baby boy would bring hope and light and salvation to many. But through this divine plan, Mary would have to experience piercing pain in her soul. Her Son would be beaten and humiliated and then suffer a cruel and painful death on the cross, and she would stand by helplessly and watch it all.

Somehow I had never seen this verse until the Christmas after Lexi passed away. Then it seemed to jump off the page! My heart hurt so much that Christmas season. I was overcome by the fact that Mary, the mother of Jesus, would also undergo the hurt of losing a child. The heartache of a mom was predestined and necessary in order for God’s master plan of salvation to take place. 

Suddenly the Christmas story meant so much more to me! Jesus’s glorification came through pain – a pain that I could relate to. But that pain was redeemed in the end. 

Did Mary understand the reason for her Son’s crucifixion and death? Did she comprehend that it would bring eternal life for all who believed in Him? I don’t know. But whether or not we understand God’s plan for suffering and death, we know that He can and will use it for our good, and for His own glory.

What a beautiful attitude Mary exemplified when the angel first informed her of this Son that would be born to her. “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) She had a heart of willing acceptance, of submission to whatever God brought her way. She probably had no idea of the emotional pain she would be faced with, but her humble faith was there to sustain her as she endured it, trusting in her heavenly Father’s divine plan.

Father God, as this Christmas season approaches, we are thankful for the example of Mary, the mother of our Savior. Thank you for her humble willingness to be used by you, even though it would bring piercing pain to her soul. Lord, we bring our own pain and loss to you, in humble expectancy that you will redeem it. Help us trust in Your sovereign plan, even in the midst of our pain.