Today my moms' group had our last meeting before Christmas, and right at the beginning they played a short video. Mostly text to music, it told about Mary's journey and connection with Christmas.
We were eating brunch while watching it, and I'll confess, I was a little distracted by my eggnog french toast casserole and coffee (nom nom, am I right?) but all of a sudden a phrase caught my eye.
"...Mary, ordinary but chosen..."
There was such appeal in those words. I realize that not many people would want to be described as "ordinary." There's nothing special about that (literally). But for me there is almost relief in the word. In the idea that such an important role was given to someone who didn't need to prove anything before they played their part. In the thought that God's intricate plan, with thousands of twists, turns and glorious tangles, is pieced together with the average, with everyone, with the ordinary.
Even someone as un-spectacular as me.
I often rule myself out based on what I know of myself. The view that only God and I share of my faults, inconsistencies, and failures. My poor heart and attitude. My darkness and struggle.
In this world of brokenness, the things that make me just like everyone else - ordinary.
Yet God, who is rich in mercy, uses the foolish things of this world to put to shame the wise. The weak are given strength. And the ordinary are chosen.