Being Mary...

When I was 9, I played a heralding angel in a Christmas Nativity program put on by my church/stake. The highlight of the night was when we sang "Silent Night," because I had been given a solo in the 4th verse. I had a great time but what I really, really wanted was to be the "Mary". Mary didn't sing, there was no solo for Mary in Silent Night, she just knelt there and rocked the baby. Her job seemed so simple, kneel and rock. I thought of a thousand reasons that I should be "The Mary" but most of all I just wanted to rock the baby.

Since then I've had several opportunities to play Mary in different live nativities and programs. In several of them I rocked my own child as they slept soundly in my arms, as I imagine the tiny infant Jesus must've done in his mother's arms. I understand now my yearning to rock the baby. To hold, if only in performance, the holy infant so tender and mild.

I have such an admiration for Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her faith, her strength, her love. Everything about her just amazes me. Having had 5 children myself I know it is no small feat to carry a child and to love them with every ounce of yourself, even before you have met them. I can never imagine what it must've felt like to be in the throws of labor and at every turn be told that there was no room...no where for you to rest your weary body, no where to have your child. It must've been despairing, but with a prayer in her heart she pressed forward.

For the last 7 years I have performed the song "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant, dressed as Mary, for various functions. Each time as I prepare myself to be Mary, I pray that I can share my testimony of Christ's birth through song. Beginning last year the Olathe, Kansas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, began holding an annual Creche' Exhibit. A Creche(just in case you don't know, because I didn't) is a representation of a nativity scene. Hundreds of Nativity's from all over the world are displayed and in the center of it all is a live Nativity which includes Mary, Joseph, and baby. Last year, Jeremiah and I, along with Liam who was then 8 months old, were a part of the Live Nativity. It was such an amazing experience that this year we chose to do it again (sans Liam).

Becoming Mary is always such a faith building experience for me. The way the little children walk by the live nativity and really think we are Mary & Joseph. The way they ask me "Mary can I hold your baby?" Being able to play Mary is the perfect way for me to remember that Christ truly is the reason for the season.

Following, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite nativities that were on display and I'd like to leave you with this last thought...Jesus Christ IS the son of God. He was born to save us all, he died for our sins, and he was resurrected so that we may return to live with him one day.


I know this is true.

P.S. Since I was too busy in the live nativity these photos were actually taken by Ashlynne. :)