Joe R. Price

Gabriel declared to Mary the great honor God gave her to be mother to the Christ, the Son of God: "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women" (Luke 1:28)! The virgin would conceive and give birth to the Savior of the world (Luke 1:39-56; 2:11).

(1) The mother of Jesus did not abort her child. Mary was a virgin, though betrothed to Joseph (Luke 1:34; Matt. 1:18). Upon learning that she was with child, Joseph was prepared to avoid a public scandal and "put her away secretly" until God's angel appeared to him with divine instructions (Matt. 1:19-25). There was a time in America when pregnancy before marriage was scandalous.

Many choose abortion as the answer to an unwanted, inconvenient pregnancy. Do not be deceived: abortion is murder. It is the deliberate destruction of unique human life. Over 2,800 babies are aborted every day in America (over a million a year). Since Roe v. Wade in 1973, about 65.5 million abortions have occurred in the U.S. Tell your mother "thank you" for giving you life. Millions of children, who could have lived, did not receive the gift of life from their mother.

(2) The mother of Jesus reared her child in the way of God. Under the parentage of Mary and Joseph, Jesus grew up learning and living in the wisdom and favor of God (Luke 2:40). Oh, how this is needed today. On mother's knee, the child learns about God, faith, kindness, goodness, and love. Mother's stern hand corrects and comforts. The wise mother's tongue gives righteous counsel to her children. Honor your mother with respectful obedience each day (Eph. 6:1-3). Bring her joy and gladness by being wise and living righteously (Prov. 23:24-25). Do not forsake the law of your mother. Such foolishness grieves her (Prov. 1:8; 10:1).

Mothers, follow Mary's example of loving your children (Luke 2:51; Titus 2:4). The most important thing you do for your children is to set them on a course of life that respects and obeys God. While giving your children good things, remember to provide them with what they need most. Learn from Mary and teach your children well.