Bible story · Luke 1–2
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
An ordinary young woman who said yes to an extraordinary calling, and treasured it all in her heart.
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Told by Sabbir & family
Sabbir and his family are telling the Bible story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to children all over the world, just like a parent reading to their kids at bedtime. Get cozy and listen along.
An angel visits Nazareth
In the small town of Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary. She was engaged to a carpenter named Joseph, and as far as anyone else knew, she was just another young woman going about an ordinary life. Then, one day, an angel named Gabriel appeared to her with news that would change everything.
Gabriel told Mary not to be afraid. She had found favor with God, and she would have a son, whom she would name Jesus. He would be called the Son of the Most High. Mary was frightened and confused. She asked how this could possibly be true. But when Gabriel explained that this was God's own doing, Mary answered with words that have echoed ever since.
“Behold, I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May it be done to me according to your word.”
Mary didn't fully understand what was coming. But she trusted God enough to say yes anyway.
Mary visits Elizabeth
Soon after, Mary traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was also expecting a son of her own, John, who would grow up to prepare the way for Jesus. The moment Elizabeth heard Mary's voice, she felt her baby leap for joy, and she greeted Mary with a blessing.
Mary answered with a song of praise, overflowing with joy at what God was doing through her, an ordinary young woman from an ordinary town.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Treasuring it all in her heart
Mary went on to give birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, wrapping Him in cloths and laying Him in a manger, just as it had been told to her. Shepherds came in from the fields that same night, retelling the astonishing things angels had announced to them in the sky. Everyone who heard it was amazed.
Mary didn't run around telling everyone what she thought it all meant. Instead, she did something quieter, and just as faithful.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Years of watching her son grow, teach, and change the world still lay ahead of Mary, with joys and sorrows she couldn't yet imagine. But it all began with one ordinary young woman, willing to trust God with something far bigger than herself.
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