A blessed life, a hard life

"For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed." These are some of the words spoken by Mary when she celebrated in song the miraculous and overwhelming virgin conception.

Mary held the perspective that this moment stretched beyond herself to affect all generations. She intrinsically knew that through her the whole world would be blessed. She became aware that through her, peace would come to all on whom his favor rests. She knew this blessing and she was aware of its impact, but could such a young girl understand the weight that Jesus was to bear? How often did she have to remind herself of these words of blessing she received on that mysterious night?

Would she remember that the world would call her blessed when her betrothed was weighted with the decision to put her to shame by divorcing her publicly or to protect her through a private and quiet procedure?

Did she remember these words when she was ostracized in her hometown for her unplanned teenage pregnancy? Did she remember these words the day at the temple when the boy was dedicated? The day when Simeon, one who was promised that he would see the messiah, prophesied that her heart was to be pierced because of her son? Did she remember these words when her son was continually introduced and identified as the "supposed son of Joseph"?

Did she recall these words when she stood in the comforting arms of the John the Disciple as they watched the breath and blood leaving her son as he was dying for the iniquities of the world?

Through all of these events of betrayal, death and finally resurrection, Mary was considered blessed. Blessed is not equated with ease and prosperity. Bearing a blessing is not a Teflon shield in which nothing tragic or painful can penetrate. Bearing the title of blessed is God's face shining upon your life through the dark nights of the soul. Ridicule, isolation and pain can actually be the path by which the Lord bestows his blessing.

The entire world was blessed through Mary. Little did this young girl realize the lifetime of struggle that accompanied this blessing. Her sight was upon the great gift giver and the blessing he was giving to the entire world through her.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.