What Mary’s Birth Story Teaches Us About Our Own Birth
The story of Jesus’ birth gets told and retold every December.
But have you ever wondered how Mary experienced it?
Not the neat, calm story of the wise men coming to visit —the raw, sacred, birth story.
The part with a young, pregnant girl. A long journey.
No calm, perfectly staged birth space. No doula support. No midwife.
We know the miracle. But we often forget the humanity of Jesus coming into this world just like us.
We don’t know much about Mary’s birth — But we do know she had God’s presence
We’re often told that a peaceful birth comes from controlling the environment: Low lights. Quiet music. The “right” team.
And while those things can absolutely help—they’re not your ultimate source of peace.
Mary had no doula or even her mom. She had no birth plan no clean linens, warm tub, twinkle lights or essential oils.
Although the Bible doesn’t expand on this, I like to believe that she had the love and support of Joseph. But I am sure she also had uncertainty. She also had pain.
And yet still—she had the presence of God.
Right there, amidst the contractions & the discomfort. She had the strength of God literally within her.
You obviously aren’t birthing Jesus, but you do have the strength of the Holy Spirit within you too! Hopefully, you have control of the environment around you, but even if you are experieincing circumstances that are out of your control, you can tap into that strength within you!
Mary said yes — Without knowing how it would all work out
Mary’s story is full of surrender.
She didn’t ask for a detailed explanation.
She said, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
That kind of acceptance takes true faith.
A faith that’s anchored in trust over control.
That’s the same trust birth invites from you.
Letting go of the idea that you need everything planned out. Accepting that things may not go as you envisioned. Trusting that God’s strength is within you.
It’s okay to have preferences, but true satisfaction with your birth will come from allowing yourself to release attachment to the outcome. Allow yourself to rest in the truth that God has already gone before you. It’s not easy. It takes practice & persistence. But, it is a necessary part of birth.
Jesus’ Birth Was Messy—And Still Completely Holy
From what we know about birth in Genesis 3:16 where God states “with painful labor you will give birth to children,” we know Mary experienced pain. There was sweat. There was noise. And yet—Heaven came to Earth amidst the mess.
Don’t miss that part.
Because your birth might not feel like it went to plan.
But, it will still be sacred. It will still be yours. It will still be a little piece of heaven coming to earth through your child.
You don’t have to remove the humanity of birth to find holiness in it. You will experience both. And God will meet you there.
Your Birth Can Be Messy and Miraculous
So if you’re:
Feeling behind on birth education
Wondering if you’re “ready enough”
Wishing your story looked different
Come back to the birth of Jesus. Come back to Mary’s experience in the birth of our Holy Savior.
If you need help reminding yourself of your place in the birth story of Jesus, schedule a call right here!
