Did you know all the painful subtext written into the story of Jesus’ birth? My guess is you’ve heard some of it, but many sermons and teachings tend to gloss over the pain and merely emphasize the celebration and hope that comes with it. I think this is one of the reasons the ‘Mary Did You Know?’ song by Michael English has been so popular in more recent history. It highlights some of the real world and spiritual realities that can sometimes get missed as we celebrate and reflect throughout the holiday season. (If you’re not familiar, this may be my current favorite version.) It goes:

It goes on in similar fashion, highlighting the immense complexity of Mary’s situation, a young, unwed, expectant mother in a culture steeped in shame and societal expectations well beyond our own. It has caused me to see the ‘no room at the Inn’ portion of the story in new light more recently:

While it is certainly possible simply all the rooms were filled by other travelers, it is just as likely that no one would host an out-of-wedlock couple. They were pariahs, social outcasts that most people would not want to receive or associate with. This was how our Savior came into the world, completely vulnerable, unwelcome and unwanted. Perhaps you’ve never had the misfortune to feel so vulnerable, but if you can imagine a time of being in desperate need and having little or no support to turn to, that is likely what Mary and Joseph would have been feeling. 

When I tore my achilles tendon shortly after college, I had very little money and no medical insurance for what I knew would be over $10,000 in surgery costs. For a brief period I felt completely vulnerable, helpless and alone. (Fortunate for me, my family and social services came to my aid). Can you recall a time when you felt so desperate? 

Jesus came to us in the humblest and most vulnerable fashion. As you enjoy this Christmas season, do well to consider the vulnerable within your vicinity. Think on Mary and Joseph with nowhere to find good shelter and understand how those without means for their basic needs must be feeling at this time. And if you find yourself feeling vulnerable in any area of life, know that your Savior sees you.

Merry Christmas, may you bless and be blessed throughout the holiday season!