In this poignant scene from 'The Chosen,' Mary reflects deeply on her experiences surrounding the birth of Jesus, highlighting the mixture of divine awe and human vulnerability that marked the moment. When asked about her feelings during that time, Mary confesses that the birth was far from the idyllic scene often depicted; it was challenging and occurred away from the comforts of her home, without her mother or a midwife to assist her. Hesitant to delve into specifics, she instead shares a powerful memory of when Joseph handed Jesus to her for the first time.
Mary describes the moment of receiving Jesus as both mundane and miraculous—her expectations clashed with the reality of a newborn who needed her immediate care. She recalls cleaning Him, soothing his cries, and the stark realization that this crying, needy baby was the Son of God. This moment was so humanizing that it even made Joseph question, albeit briefly, the divine nature of their child.
Her recounting becomes introspective as she discusses the subsequent years following Jesus's infancy. Mary touches on the bittersweet journey of watching Jesus grow increasingly independent, especially after Joseph's death. While she expresses pride in His accomplishments and the impact He has on their people, she also shares a mother's sorrow at the inevitable distancing that comes as her child, who once needed her so deeply, grows into His destined role.
Concluding her reflection, Mary acknowledges a mix of emotions—pride in Jesus’s achievements for their community and a personal sadness from a mother watching her child no longer need her as he once did. The scene closes with Mary finding solace in the company of others, looking for ways she can still contribute and be helpful, underscoring her enduring need to nurture and support, even as her role in Jesus’s life evolves.
No room in the Inn
Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus to Shepherds
The Birth of Jesus
Journal and reflect on the following
How does Mary’s description of Jesus's birth challenge traditional narratives of the Nativity? What does her perspective add to your understanding of that moment?
Mary mentions feeling both awe and doubt when Jesus was born. How do you think these emotions influenced her relationship with Jesus as he grew up?
Reflect on the human aspect of Mary’s experience. How does acknowledging her challenges and vulnerabilities change the way you view her as a figure in Christian theology?
Mary talks about her mixed emotions as Jesus grew independent and needed her less. How can parents relate to her feelings in their own experiences with their children?
Discuss the significance of Mary's role in Jesus's life as described in her reflections. How does this role impact the way we view her contributions to Jesus’s mission?
Mary’s recounting brings a very human element to the divine story. How does this humanization of biblical figures affect your connection to the story of Jesus?
Mary feels both pride and sadness as Jesus matures and takes on his role. How do these feelings reflect the universal challenges of parenthood?
Discuss in your family or community
Amy Grant - Breath of Heaven
Final Prayer
Mary's song of praise is known as the 'Magnificat.' It is a hymn that Mary expresses after her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist, greets her and blesses her. The Magnificat is named after the first word of the hymn in Latin, which means 'magnifies.'
The Magnificat appears in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55) and expresses Mary's joy and gratitude to God for selecting her to be the mother of Jesus, despite her humble status. The hymn is also a profound declaration of God's preference for the lowly and poor, and it reflects themes of social justice, mercy, and divine reversal of human fortunes. Here is the text from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible:
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
