Unplanned pregnancies have been happening since the beginning of time. Mary is no exception. Mary's way of getting pregnant through the Holy Spirit does, of course, set her apart. However, her fear and confusion associated with a surprise pregnancy are no different than what young women experience today.

Here are five facts about this young virgin mother and their similarities with women today.

1. Mary was young. She was a teenager. There are various reports that she was between the ages of 12-16 at the beginning of her childbearing years. According to UNICEF, around the world, 15% of young women give birth before the age of 18.

2. Mary did not have much money. We know this because, based on Levitical law, a child was consecrated with an offering after birth. It usually was a one-year-old lamb and a single dove, but in Mary and Joseph's case, they offered two doves which could indicate they couldn't afford the lamb. (Leviticus 12:8.) Most girls today who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy state financial concerns as one of their biggest fears of being a mother.

3. Mary was scared. Upon hearing the news of her pregnancy, great fear set in. Luke 1: 29-30 says, "Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God." Although confused and fearful, in Luke 1:38, she says, "May your word to me be fulfilled." Fear is a driving emotion in all unplanned pregnancies. Mary also experienced this fear.

4. Mary had faith. When things seemed confusing and out of her control, Mary stood firm in her belief. Luke 1:45 says, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her." God has these same promises for girls today who face unplanned pregnancies. Jeremiah 1:5 states, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." God has a plan for every human being he creates. We must be a voice for life to share this faith with women when our world does not.

5. Mary could face public disgrace. Joseph was very concerned about Mary's public image. In Matthew 1:19, Joseph states his plan to protect Mary before his angel encounter when the angel tells Joseph not to be afraid and to take her as his wife. Concern over what a family and the baby's father may think is not just applicable in current times; it's been a concern since the beginning.

Outside of the virgin birth, moms facing an unplanned pregnancy are not much different from young Mary, who miraculously found herself pregnant with Jesus.

She had to set aside her age, fear, lack of money, and initial shame to the higher authority of faith. She had to trust that God knows what is best for her. This scenario is no different today. God creates children whom he has a plan for, and it's not up to us to decide the life question of any human being God designs.

So, this Christmas, celebrate Jesus and all babies that God puts in this world. He has a plan for every single one of them. We must be thankful that Mary embraced this new life despite all the human fears she experienced. Trust God's perfect plan. He never makes mistakes. 

Merry Christmas!

Jeremiah 29:11- "I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans for a hope and a future."

References:

Home - OverviewBible, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF DATA - Child Statistics University of Dayton, Ohio (udayton.edu)