Christmas Thoughts on Mothering

On Sunday I had the privelege of participating in a Christmas lesson at my church.  My part was a small reading about Mary, the mother of Christ.  While reading I was filled with gratitude and empathy for this holy woman who labored in a stall that night to bring into the world the greatest gift ever given.  I was overwhelmed by emotion several times as I read and have since pondered deeply on what kind of mother Mary was, and what kind of mother I am trying to be.  Because we meet here at this blog to discuss mothering, I thought I'd share the passage with you.

Taken from a Christmas devotional talk given by Jeffrey R. Holland -

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:6-7) Mary... is the mother of mothers - holding center stage in this grandest of all dramatic moments.  And...save for her beloved husband, she was very much alone.

I have wondered if this young woman, something of a child herself, here bearing her first baby, might have wished her mother, or an aunt, or her sister, or a friend, to be near her through the labor.  Surely the birth of such a son as this should command the aid and attention of every midwife in Judae! 
We all might wish that someone could have held her hand, cooled her brow, and when the ordeal was over, given her rest in crisp, cool linen.  But it was not to be so.  With only Joseph's inexperienced assistance, she herself brought for her firstborn son, wrapped him in the little clothes she had knowingly brought on her journey, and...laid him on a pillow of hay.

...Perhaps these parents knew even then that in the beginning of his mortal life, as well as in the end, this baby son born to them would have to descend beneath every human pain and disappointment.  He would do so to help those who also felt they had been born without advantage."

I have thought often since reading this on what Mary might have truly experienced and felt that first Christmas night.  Elder Holland's words and The Nativity video clip (posted below) have put a new perspective on the struggles I go through as a parent and the spirit with which I face my role as a mother each and every day.  I hope it touches you as it has touched me.

Merry Christmas.