Christmas: Surprised by Joy and Total Forgiveness

There was probably some initial fear (and in Zachariah's case a temporary case of muteness) when announcements were being made about the Messiah's entrance into our human world. Mary was dumbfounded but happy and joyful to be picked for the most precious child to be hers.Anna and Simeon prophesied and knew that their lives were complete when they heard the news. Joseph was probably baffled, and definitely questioning until an angel assured him that this was in fact a virgin birth. Mary also had the joy of being told that her cousin Elisabeth would also bear a child even in her old age. John would leap in her womb when the two ladies met. The wise men, angels rejoicing and shepherds being summoned to visit were all quite joyful occasions I'm sure.
We know they expected a king and not this little lamb of a baby laying in a manger, but it is doubtful they realized that this little one would give us the possibility of total forgiveness. In the Old Testament, animals were sacrificed to cover the sins and shame of the people. But it didn't last indefinitely.
Even though Mary knew she had an exceptional child - since she nudged Him to change the water into wine a little earlier in his life that expected - it's hard to know whether she had any full idea of what His death would mean for us. Did she know that we would never have to lift our heads in shame because He died completely and totally for our sin? We know she had real grief at the cross but how much did she understand? These are all speculations of course. We aren't told about all of the emotions and questions that these eyewitnesses were asking.
I do know that He said "It is finished". 40 some years ago as I was asking questions about His very existence and what that meant to me personally, He answered. He showed me that He loved me unconditionally and would come in to dwell with me if I asked Him. I still consider that the most important decision of my life. "Though my sins were as scarlet, I am now as white as snow". Because I am a good person - or maybe better than some? Absolutely not.
Because my Saviour and Messiah surprised me with joy and total forgiveness. I am still eternally grateful and thankful that He lifts my head every day.