Miraculous Conception – Humble Birth

One would think a miraculous conception would lead to a miraculous birth.

Perhaps we view Mary’s pregnancy as entitled since she was chosen by God and “on His errand.” We might think the pregnancy should be painless. Maybe the birth would be streamlined, in a marble-floored room with gold-plated furnishings. Mary was, after all, giving life to the very Son of God, so nothing should be withheld from this divinely appointed birth.

But instead of demanding what she might have expected, Mary humbly did what she had to, and trusted God with the rest.

Travel by donkey and foot for several days at nine months pregnant? She went.

Give birth in a strange city, without her mother or midwife present? She did.

Give birth in a dirty stable? Really? She did It.

Did she have enough healthy food to satisfy a nursing mother's appetite and nutritional needs? Maybe, maybe not. I remember craving beef after delivering my babies.

Have you ever felt privileged, so to speak, believing that life shouldn't be hard for you? Since you trust God and keep His commandments, you should live in marbled halls with gold-leaf decor, or at least in a life without challenges. Right?

Something about the “human experience" appears to be critical to our growth as eternal beings. We need the space and freedom to choose for ourselves to learn what we need to learn while on this earth. God provides miracles, light, and help, but he doesn't often override our human experience to provide them.

Mary, did you know…you would flee the country for your baby’s life? Did you know you and Joseph would work hard to support your family? Did you know the Savior of the world and your firstborn Son would be crucified before your very eyes?

What did you know?

Mary knew she was giving Life to the very Son of God. “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 2:47-47, KJV).

She knew her role as mother of the Savior was a singular, spectacular, prophesied event: “For, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (v 48).

But she didn't know how her pregnancy and her life would unfold. And so, “his mother kept all these sayings in her heart,” Luke 2:51. She pondered and reflected, moving forward while putting together understanding, “line upon line.”

God moves forward His purposes, but not in a way that interferes with our opportunity to gain experience. Each one of us is God's great work– His “purpose,” and His “glory” (see Moses 1:39, Pearl of Great Price). He has known us since long before we were born, and He has loved us that long. Our humility allows God to do his work for us, and to be with us.

Mary was humble, patient, thoughtful, and full of faith. Joseph was too. They each accepted God's call and moved forward with faith, not knowing what would come next, but willing to walk with God. Because of this, God could lead them, protect them, and assist them.

We will have our own experiences where we don't have enough…healthy food, energy, family nearby, or comfortable surroundings. If we are humble and worthy, God can do His miraculous work in our lives.

Of Jesus Christ, President Russell M. Nelson teaches, “No one on this earth loves you as He does. No one here understands you better or really knows your sorrows and weaknesses. No one on earth has the power that Jesus Christ has. No one here is more eager for you to become everything you can become. No one pleads with the Father on your behalf as He does.”

Nelson continues, “Jesus Christ has known you since the premortal realm. He knows and sees you now. He sees your joys and your sorrows. He has experienced each of them. He has perfect compassion for your struggles and rejoices every time you press forward in righteousness, during good times and bad.”

“We revere the Babe of Bethlehem precisely because He later offered the incomprehensible, infinite sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross of Calvary. This offering redeems each of us as we choose to repent and follow Him. Then, as His crowning act on earth, He rose from the tomb on the third day, granting each one of us the unprecedented blessing of resurrection and life after death” (“Come, Let us Adore Him,” December 2023).

Did Mary know everything?

No. But she knew enough: enough to move through each new obstacle with firm hope and growing faith.

And because she did, so can we.

Beth Wright’s grandchildren are fourth-generation Alaskans! She loves her family and enjoys hiking, gardening, music, reading, and writing. She wants to be outside every day enjoying this beautiful place (except when it’s windy). She is thankful for Jesus and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.