Look, Mary, Look

Mary look, the baby’s smiling- 
Hearing Joseph call His name! 
Isn’t this the confirmation 
Of that which the angel claimed? 
Yes, your baby’s in a manger; 
Lying in a dirty stall. 
Look again- He’s Son of David; 
King of Jacob; Lord of all. 

Mary look, it’s Joseph crying- 
Worshipping the son you bore. 
What a husband there beside you, 
Kneeling humbly on the floor! 
Tiny babe holds calloused finger; 
Something touching deeply there. 
God indeed is in the stable- 
Granting vision; bringing care. 

Mary look, the shepherds coming- 
Calling out to greet their King! 
Do you know the proclamation 
That they heard the angels bring? 
“You will find Him in a manger; 
Wrapped and lying in the straw” 
Mary, you are not in danger, 
Look how God prescribed it all. 

Mary look, the star appearing! 
Moving higher into view! 
What a strange, but precious wonder, 
There abiding over you. 
See, the star shines into heaven- 
Angels' mark where God met man! 
Hidden from the view of mortals, 
God completes what He began.

Look, Mary, look, 
It wasn’t just a dream. 
God’s indeed at work, 
Despite how things might seem.

--K. Hartnett, June 2006

I am aware of taking a risk with this poem, as I'm sure there are some who would be offended at the notion that Mary was anything but completely steadfast in her faith.  Indeed, I fully agree that the Mary of scripture is a wonderful example of faith, obedience, and loving loyalty.  But I can't help but wonder what all was in her young heart and mind as the events of that season in her life unfolded- especially that day in Bethlehem.  The poem is the product of my imagination; written to encourage all who are experiencing circumstances that are hard to understand.