There's something about Mary.

As a Christian, I am most appreciative that God sent his only son to die a horrible, miserable, painful death in order to pay for my numerous sins. I am thankful and humbled by the sacrifice made for me, and amazed that forgiveness is mine for the asking. Jesus is the reason for the season. Actually, he is the reason for the whole religion.

But there is something about Mary. I think Christianity doesn't give her sacrifice near the recognition it deserves.

Imagine. You don't get to enjoy a satisfying roll in the hay with the love of your life, but you wind up pregnant anyway. Some selfish king couldn't give a rat's ass that you have just entered your fourth trimester of pregnancy. He wants your name on his tax rolls, no excuses. During a long, miserable donkey ride your water breaks and strong, painful contractions begin. You are a very young woman with no access to medical care, or even your mother. What woman wouldn't be terrified? You can't get a hotel room anywhere in town, not even the Grandview! You wind up in a dirty stable where you labor for hours without the benefit of a doctor- let alone pain medication. At last, while amused farm animals look on, you give birth to a healthy son.

Relieved and exhausted, you are now expected to entertain. Hours ago, you were an inconvenience. Now that you have given birth to the Son of God, angels sing, and a huge star is placed in the sky so that the king's men and all the townfolk can come take a look. They don't care that you haven't even had the chance to bathe. I love the fact that every artist paints Mary - just hours after giving birth - as both beautiful and serene. And the "Wise Men!" Ha! Don't get me started! These guys learn of the birth of the Messiah and what do they do? Bring impractical gifts for the baby! Gosh, guys, don't you have enough pull to at least get this family a room at the Ritz? A Motel Six? At least bring a casserole.

The birth of Christ was difficult enough, but can you imagine what his death must have been like for his mother? I've always thought losing a child would be the hardest burden to bare. The only thing worse would be to helplessly witness your son tortured and slowly put to the death.

There are a few things about being Catholic that trouble me, but IMHO, it is the only sect of Christianity that even comes close to paying Mary the respect and admiration she deserves. At every Mass, Catholics recite in unison:

Hail Mary, Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death.
Amen.

Today is put aside as a day to celebrate the birth of Christ, but I always want to shout, "What about Mary?!" This may strike some as blasphemy, but I'd be willing to wager that Mary was not the delicate, petite flower of womanhood portrayed in paintings. I think Mary was probably one tough cookie. She would have to be, which is why God chose her to birth his only son.

So, Happy Birthday, Jesus! And to the new Mommy, Mary, thanks and well done. There will always be a soft bed, clean sheets, and a hot casserole waiting for you at Polly's Place.