Saying 'Yes' means daring to be different.
The story of Mary
You can read the story of Mary in Luke 1.26-38 and 46-56.
Later she had to go to Egypt, with the baby Jesus, to avoid persecution.
You might look at how artists through history have portrayed Mary's story by exploring the links at: Images of the Annunciation. And you could also visit The Mary Page.
Sadly, the newspapers and television reports will have many stories of people being forced to leave their country - with young children - and live in exile. You could collect some of the stories and see how much they mirror the experience of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. If you know someone who has had to live through a time like that they may feel able to share some of their feelings with you in order that you can better understand how Mary might have felt.
The Mayflower at Sea by Margeson
These sites have examples of ordinary people who - like Mary - have dared to be different:
Making Sense of Christmas
Finding Faith - Following Faith
Like Mary, many people in the past have also been ready to go to a new country as part of their journey of faith. You can find out about some here:
The Pilgrim Story
Pilgrims in a Strange Land
Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965
One of the most exciting visions is of travelling to a new world. These sites may help give you a picture of what it is like:
CVC's Christmas In Space
The Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum
At this Christmas time, as we come to the start of a new millennium, what do you think Jesus would want to do today to carry on the work of 'building a new world'?
