Episode 096:

The Courage of Mary

December 3, 2019

Advent Week 1

Advent is here. And with it, all the preparations for Christmas. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to look at a few people who appear in the story of Jesus’ birth and how they demonstrated courage. Today we’re beginning with Mary.

And before you say, “what about Joseph?” we’re exploring the Courage of Joseph on the Blog. 

We’re pretty sure if you’ve ever spent any time with an expecting mom and dad, excitement, joy, and wonder aren’t the only emotions unfolding. To imagine the real-life experience of a young teenage girl who is pregnant and carrying the savior of the world…there was likely much more at stake.

And it required Mary to have courage.

Mary knew how to rumble with vulnerability. 

She didn’t try to go it alone.

She didn’t try to get rid of the uncertainty or discomfort.

She didn’t say, “nah, I’m not sure I trust God or Joseph to go on this journey.”

And she didn’t overshare or disclose everything that was going on in her body/mind/soul.

What We Wish We Knew

There are times you may wish you had more of the context and color of what was happening between Mary and Joseph in the gospel accounts.

In the Gospel of Matthew there is only one verse: “When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18) That certainly doesn’t give us much of the story, does it?

Mary’s courage was rooted in her willingness to be vulnerable with God and Joseph.

Join us for this episode and consider the courage of Mary and your own practice of courage this Advent.

Mentioned in this Episode

Register your interest in “It Takes Courage” a four-week study of courage and scripture.

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Download the Advent Bible Reading Plan: The Characters of ChristmasAdvent Bible Reading Guide

Dare to Lead Workshop

This January, we’ll begin hosting workshops to help you learn the skills we’re exploring in the podcast. Register your interest below.

If you want to learn the skills you need to lead and live with courage, complete this simple form and let us know you’re interested in Dare to Lead.