An 11-day Devotional: Mary–the absence of a complaining spirit

When I read Luke’s account of the Christmas story, I’m struck by the difficulties of Mary’s final trimester and, at the same time, the absence of a complaining spirit.

Consider these facts:

• Jesus was born at a time of significant political unrest in the region; the Roman government made harsh demands on its constituents.
• Mary and Joseph had to travel 90 miles south—apparently walking—when Mary was in her final weeks of pregnancy.
• There was no expression of hospitality upon their arrival; no one provided for them a place to stay.
• The birthplace for their little-boy-king was neither comfortable nor clean.
• The first invitations to meet their newborn son went to the disrespected of their society – shepherds.

Yet, in the absence of even one word of complaint we read, “And Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Like oil and water, a complaining spirit doesn’t mix with one of awe and wonder. When life is difficult for us, we have a tendency towards the first attitude.  But the latter marked Mary’s life. Study a Nativity scene and note the humble contentment on the faces of Mary and Joseph. Then, ask yourself is your visage marked with contentment or frustration this Christmas season? If your list of circumstances included the difficulties for Mary and Joseph how would you respond? To make room for the awe and wonder of the Christmas story, it will be necessary to banish your complaining spirit.

PHIL MOSER is the author of the Biblical Strategies series, and the developer of 4M Training: a unique approach to spiritual growth for men. All of his resources can be found on amazon or at biblicalstrategies.com.