Young Christian Writers as Marys: The Power of Believing
Last year, in my local church assembly, I and some other people were given the responsibility of organising a Christmas stage play.
So, amidst planning the end-of-year party, I wore my writer’s hat and got to fine-tuning the drama script. Doing this helped me pay more attention to an ancient story celebrated by many though its true essence is known by only a few.
It’s the story of Mary, Joseph and the baby, Jesus.
Today, though, I will be focusing on Mary who birthed the saviour of the world—the one we celebrate at Christmastime.
The Bible describes Mary as a young Jewish woman who lived in Nazareth. From Bible research, Nazareth was a small, ordinary town. Perhaps, it was like one of these present-day villages many won’t want to be associated with.
But here is the thing that strikes me about Mary’s story: upon receiving the prophecy about birthing the long-awaited messiah, she didn’t disqualify herself or think she wasn’t good enough to be Jesus’ mother.
Now, it’s one thing to think one is all-sufficient and be conceited, and another thing to acknowledge that although one may not be perfect, you’re good enough for a blessing.
This is one lesson I’ve learnt from Mary’s story—to realise that as young Christian writers, we are good enough to share the stories God places in our hearts.
How many times do writers compare their writing styles to one another’s? How many times do we compare the impact we make—in the light of what someone else is doing?
Mary could have talked herself out of the blessing, but she dared to believe the Lord’s promises to her.
As the year comes to an end, as young Christian writers, we may be caught up in the cycle of reflecting and feeling like we have not achieved much, but here is my encouragement to you: to dare to believe what God has said about you and your writing.
2025, so far, may not have played out as you intended, but dare to believe that you have served the Lord in your own little way.
During this festive season, as songs are lifted in beautiful melodies, and families gather to share food and gifts, remember Mary who, though from a small town, believed that she could birth and raise Jesus, the saviour.
And be a Mary with your writing too!