Social scientists ask: is it nature or nurture? Is how one turns out due to one’s genes or the way one was raised? The feast of the Birth of Mary suggests that both nature and nurture shape us. The scriptures describe Mary as part of a long history in Israel. Genealogies are listed to show the plan of God leading to this particular person. That Jesus is named as from “the house and family of David” shows that nature is important. Yet, the Bible also stresses that Jesus was raised in the home of loving and caring parents and that no doubt helped to shape his character. Let us give thanks we are “fearfully, wonderfully made” all the while working to develop a virtuous life.
