We don’t always know the whole story. In fact, that’s usually the case.

Can you imagine the whispers – the judgmental eyes that followed young Mary around?

Can you imagine the pressure she felt – the undeserving guilt and shame?

If people knew the whole story – the real story – maybe they would have offered her a place to stay. Maybe they would have prepared her a meal or two. Maybe they would have been a friend. An ear that would intently listen to this young, scared mom-to-be.

But maybe they should have done that anyway. Maybe they should have done that without knowing the whole story.

Just because.

Because she was a human being facing an insurmountable obstacle.

Maybe instead of judging they could have just “been there”.

They could have prayed.

They could have listened.

They could have loved.

They could have offered hope.

And that’s exactly what we can do today. Somebody needs that.

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:33-35