By Sumer Bingham Musick
Sumer Bingham Musick teaches religion at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky and is a PhD student in Practical Theology at St Thomas University in Florida where she explores trauma sensitive theology and sexual violence.

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” – Luke 1:30-32

It is not difficult to imagine that the young Virgin Mary likely had an ordinary plan for her life before the Annunciation. When Gabriel arrived and Mary consented to be the mother of the Christ child, it is unlikely that she fully grasped the scope of that role. According to the Gospel of Matthew she would face the real social challenges of a seemingly “scandalous” pregnancy, flee to Egypt to protect her child from Herod, and later watch her child die on a cross. The solemnity of Mary is celebrated. Her purity is hailed. Her significance is honored. But let us not forget her courage, faith, and resilience. 

Mary said yes to the unknown when Gabriel approached her. She said yes to mystery and impossibility. Without knowing where the path might lead she fully trusted God and the profound blessing that had been placed upon her life. She quite literally embodied the divine as Christ grew within her womb. Pregnancy demands that one’s body be brought into full awareness. It is a relational, creative, and intimate experience which leads one to marvel at the gift of life. How profound that Mary literally embodied the divine as Christ grew within her womb. 

The journey was one of great blessing but also of great pain. It required that she care for herself as she protected the Christ child, for it was in her arms and at her breast that he would find safety and nourishment. She stood bravely in her blessing while Joseph discovered the truth of the miraculous conception. She pushed the child into the world with little comfort in a barn. She trekked boldly across the desert when Herod threatened her child. The result of her journey was an incarnational gift of infinite love poured out for all of creation. 

As we lean into the New Year we must acknowledge that, like Mary, our year is pregnant with possibilities. What is God calling us to this year? Will we have the courage to say yes? Will we allow ourselves to be changed by God’s presence? Will we find the faith to face unexpected challenges? How will we care for ourselves along the way in order to nurture our relationship with God?