Baby.

(Baby Washkau's head, courtesy of Jane and Jesse. He/She's due in April, and they're quite excited, and rightfully so.)

It pains me to think that if Jesus were conceived in this century, He might not have survived pregnancy. Thank God that Mary was full of the Holy Spirit. If any baby was inconvenient, wouldn't it be Jesus? Unmarried mother. Initially unaccepting earthly father. Potential stoning. Mary had her whole life ahead of her. And she really didn't do anything to "deserve" it, if you know what I mean.

"We didn't plan it."
"It's just not a good time."
"It wouldn't be fair to the baby."
"I didn't deserve this."

She would get so many dirty looks, just as she probably received when she was alive. Some of the same reasons, some different. Dirty looks for not aborting, but dirty looks if she would.

Blessed Mary, holding the "kingdom of God within her" before Jesus even uttered those words.

But poor Mary, with such a nonsensical secret that made more sense than anyone this world has ever met. A secret that couldn't stay secret for long.

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." Luke 6:20.