Yes, Mary did know

“Mary, You Did Know” — A Theologically Sound Reflection on the Christmas Story

At SantaAZ.com, we’re passionate about celebrating Christmas in a way that honors the true meaning of the season—the Nativity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While many beloved Christmas songs capture the joy and wonder of this sacred time, not all align perfectly with the deeper theological truths of the Christian faith. One such song, “Mary, Did You Know?”, has become a modern classic, yet it raises theological concerns that prompted us to write a more accurate reflection: “Mary, You Did Know.”

The Problem with “Mary, Did You Know?”

“Mary, Did You Know?”, written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene in 1991, has been praised for its poetic questions about the identity and mission of Jesus. The song invites listeners to marvel at the profound mystery of the Incarnation through the lens of Mary, the mother of Jesus. However, while emotionally moving, the song subtly suggests that Mary was unaware of the role her Son would play in the salvation of mankind.

This portrayal conflicts with scriptural accounts and the longstanding teachings of the Church. According to the Gospel of Luke, when the angel Gabriel visited Mary during the Annunciation, he made it abundantly clear who Jesus was and what His mission would be:

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).

Mary’s response, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), was not a passive acceptance of an unknown plan but an active and informed “yes” to God’s will. Furthermore, her profound hymn, The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), reveals her deep understanding of God’s plan for salvation.

Why “Mary, You Did Know” Matters

Recognizing these theological truths, Santa AZ wrote “Mary, You Did Know” as a respectful and reverent response, aiming to align more closely with scripture and the faith’s understanding of Mary’s role. This reimagined song honors Mary not just as a young mother in awe but as a faithful servant of God who understood the magnitude of her calling.

In this version, we highlight that Mary did know that the child within her womb was the promised Messiah—the one foretold by the prophets. She knew her “yes” would change the course of history. She understood the weight of grace and the sorrows that would come, yet she embraced them with unwavering faith.

Mary’s Informed Fiat

Mary wasn’t kept in the dark about Jesus’ mission. Through the angelic message, the prophecies she knew from scripture, and the visit of Simeon in the temple—who told her, “a sword will pierce through your own soul also” (Luke 2:35)—Mary was well aware that the path ahead was one of sacrifice, not just glory.

“Mary, You Did Know” seeks to celebrate that wisdom and the strength of her faith. It reframes the Christmas narrative, not as one filled with unknowing wonder, but with a mother’s courageous and intentional participation in God’s redemptive plan.

Santa AZ’s Commitment to the True Christmas Story

At SantaAZ.com, we’re committed to bringing Christmas festivities to life while keeping the focus on Christ at the heart of the season. Whether through storytelling, music, or family-friendly events, we aim to reflect the true spirit of Christmas—one that is grounded in love, faith, and the miraculous birth that changed the world.

“Mary, You Did Know” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the profound depth of Mary’s faith and the incredible story of salvation that continues to inspire hearts today.

Merry Christmas from Santa AZ, where we always remember the true reason for the season.