The account of the birth of Christ is found in the second Chapter of Luke, but some of the details surrounding His entry into this world are found in chapter one. The coming of Christ was revealed seven hundred years before His birth, when the prophet Isaiah spoke these words, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us). In the first chapter of Luke this prophesy is fulfilled as the angel Gabriel visits Mary and declares, “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you shall conceive in you womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be, great, and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.

That is a lot of information to drop on a teen-aged girl who is engaged to be married. In fact Mary asked how it was possible for her to have a child when she had never been with a man. God reveals His truth to us when we are able to understand it. Looking back on this encounter, we are inclined to ask, “Mary, did you know?”

“Mary Did You Know” has become a Christmas classic and has been recorded by dozens of artists. The first time I heard this song, it was by Kathy Mattea. I still think it is the best arrangement I have ever heard.