Immaculate Conception

Even though we are not practicing Catholics any more (long story, if you care to you can read more about it here) I still recognize December 8th as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The recognition of this day is more important to me now in my life as a mother, especially as an adoptive mother, than it was as a student in Catholic school attending mass out of “obligation.”

In the Catholic church Mary is prayed to frequently, statues of her are everywhere. That is fine, it’s wonderful to recognize her contribution, but I think it also robs her a bit of her humanity and makes her less relatable to us.

My friend Mary Joy is doing a Wednesday bible study today she calling “The Yes That Changed the World” over on her blog Seeds of Encouragement Sewn With Grace. I strongly encourage you to check it out because she does a great job relating Mary’s calling to our every day lives. Today I wanted to share a little more specifically on my blog how December 8th is an important day for me.

While I obviously was not immaculately conceived and I in no way intend to imply that our situation is nearly as significant, I do know what it feels like to be called to raise a child who is not “yours” and to have to explain that calling to friends & family & even your own husband.

I love the concept of this day because I think that it’s important to recognize that, despite being chosen & immaculately conceived, her life & the decisions were not easy. “Mary was greatly troubled at his words.” (Luke 1:29) She was human. It was hard, it was painful, and she had doubts. Obviously mothering Jesus was the right decision despite all of those things because, as Mary Joy is saying today, that “yes” changed the entire world.

Thinking about that gives me strength in my situation. Sometimes it is very, very difficult to be Nicholas’ mother. There are physical attacks, emotional problems, educational barriers, and social issues to deal with. Yes, I chose to do it, but it is still hard. Difficult, but worth it, just as raising any child.

Mary’s “yes” changed the whole world, I don’t know what my “yes” will do, but I know who does know the answer to that question, and even though I don’t know the answer yet, I know the effort is worth it.

And that’s why I will be forever grateful to our friends Emily & Bryce, music ministers at our church, for introducing me to the concept that Mary was indeed just as human as I am by sharing Andrew Peterson’s song Labor of Love. (I know I’ve shared this video before, but I think today’s the perfect time to share it again.)

“It was not a silent night
There was blood on the ground
You could hear a woman cry
In the alleyways that night
On the streets of David’s town

And the stable was not clean
And the cobblestones were cold
And little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
Had no mother’s hand to hold…

…But the baby in her womb
He was the maker of the moon
He was the Author of the faith
That could make the mountains move..”

I like the idea of this Mary much more than the glowing statues with outstretched hands. Unshowered, uncomfortable, in a dirty house and screaming. Yep, that’s definitely more relatable to my life as a mom. 😉

update:

** Mary Joy and my mom both pointed out after reading my post, and were right in doing so, that I should clarify that the Immaculate Conception refers to Mary being born without original sin & therefore able to conceive & deliver Jesus, not to the fact that Jesus was conceived immaculately, although He was also. The Annunciation & is when Mary actually said “yes.” Still, I think it’s important to use today to celebrate & recognize her life & decisions. Thanks for participating in the discussion ladies!