“Mary’s Part,” New Era, Dec. 2001, 32
Mary’s Part
To learn my role, I went from script to scripture. That’s when it all really came together for me.
When I was younger I spent a lot of time participating in community playhouse productions. One Christmas we started working on a play called Child of Bethlehem, and I was honored to play the part of Mary.
A lot of hard work and determination went into my part and into the play. I always tried to put myself in the shoes of the person I portrayed. But this time the lines I had been practicing weren’t forming a character, and it was drawing closer to opening night. I decided to pray about it. I asked for the ability to feel how Mary felt and to understand her thoughts and feelings so I could portray her to the best of my ability. I soon came to the conclusion that I needed to read and study the whole story. I studied it over and over. Soon my character developed, and the rehearsals began to come together beautifully.
Along with everyone else, I was flustered when opening night came. But I was determined to be a wonderful Mary. I asked Heavenly Father to help me feel the Spirit and share it with the audience.
At my cue I walked onto the stage, and it seemed that I was no longer performing. I never once thought about my next line. The words just seemed to flow from my heart and my mind.
Tears filled my eyes, for I knew Mary had been chosen to bring the Son of God into the world. My heart swelled with joy and peace. I knew what Mary meant when she said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:46–47).
My spirit rejoiced, knowing that a young, imperfect woman could experience such a wonderful gift from her Heavenly Father. How awestruck Mary must have been. “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).
What a wonderful gift Jesus was for Mary and what a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father to all of us. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Photography by Steve Bunderson. Posed by models