She Writes

The Christmas Story: A Case of Teenage Pregnancy

This baby is God. I had to keep reminding myself of this. I've just given birth to the Son of God. It was hard for even me to believe it, and I was his mother. "What will you name him?" the nurse asked me.

"Jesus," I replied. "He will be named Jesus."

*9 months earlier*

Ugh I thought as I stuffed all of my heavy books into my back pack. I have so much homework tonight. I was slowly making my way out to my car parked outside my high school. Being a senior was tough especially with preparing for college. I knew I could get through it though, with help from God and my wonderful boyfriend Joe. Our parents introduced us when we were a bit younger and we fell for each other right away. He is already in college studying to be a doctor. I was very proud of him.

***

As I pulled into the driveway of my parents house, I noticed a light coming from the kitchen. That's weird I thought. No one should be home. I found myself a bit nervous to go in the house but I swept away those worries with the idea that maybe mom or dad had come home early. I found out I was quite mistaken. There, sitting at our kitchen table, was a glowing figure. It could have been an angel but I knew that couldn't be possible.

"Um, hello?" I said timidly.

"Greetings," the figure said, turning towards me. "I am an angel, sent by the Lord to give you a message."

"W-w-what?" I stuttered. "What would God want with me?"

"Well," the angel said slowly, "He wants to use you to bring his son Jesus into the world. He wants you to be Jesus' mother. To give birth to Him." I couldn't speak. This had to be a joke. And even if it wasn't how could I do this. What would people say? My parents? Joseph? Oh, Joseph. He would be so upset. And I don't even know what my parents would do.

"Mary," the angel said abruptly, "do not be afraid. The Lord will take care of you and your loved ones. Do not be worried." Then there was a bright flash, and the angel was gone. I stood where I was, awestruck, and suddenly felt different. Like there was a presence inside of me. That's when I realized, this was no joke. God's Son is inside of me.

*a few hours later*

"Mary!" I heard my mother call out. She must've just come home from work. I was terrified to tell her what had happened.

"Y-yes?" I responded as she hurried over to me.

"Mary, honey, I had a vision. I know about the baby. Your father does to. He called me and told me the same vision came to him as well. Mary, sweetie, we believe you. It's going to be okay." Hearing my mom say this lifted some of the weight off my shoulders. I fell into her arms and cried. I cried. I cried because I was scared. I cried because I felt relief. I cried because I felt helpless. And I cried because I still had no idea what to say to Joseph.

*the next day*

I sat on a park bench, waiting for Joseph to arrive. I had texted him, asking if we could talk. He told me to meet him in the park at 4:00. I couldn't keep calm though. I have been praying all day to ask God to guide my words but I still don't know what to say. I could see him making his way down the road. He had a relaxed smile on his face and I could see me too. He started jogging to me so he could get to me faster and I copied his movements. I knew that I may not have another chance to run into his arms again. We hugged for a moment and he kissed me on the cheek. We sat down silently and he looked at my face. His relaxed expression turned worried.