We’re so close to Christmas. Tomorrow night we will light our candles and reverently contemplate that holy birth in Bethlehem. So close, but not yet time.

Think of Mary, almost ready to deliver her child, but not quite. Think of Mary, “great with child,” riding on the back of a donkey, uncomfortable, weary, anxious. So close, but not yet time.

There’s a beautiful Christmas Song written by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton. Written through the eyes of Mary, it’s titled “Breath of Heaven,” Mary’s Song. It begins by painting a picture of Mary’s weariness and her incredulousness that she has been chosen to bear this child.

“I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary, with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done
Holy Father you have come
And chosen me now, to carry your son
I am waiting, in a silent prayer
I am frightened, by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?”

The song concludes with Mary’s plea for God to be near, to hold her together, and to lighten her darkness, a plea to the “Breath of Heaven.”

Oh my friends, the Breath of Heaven did give her strength to bear her son, Jesus. No matter the conditions, this young mother gave birth and wrapped her child lovingly. She could  have never foreseen the events to come – shepherds, angels, wise men from the East. But she took in all that happened and pondered it in her heart.

I don’t know the journey which you walk today. You may be happily anticipating a gathering of family, or you may be weary of another Christmas spent alone. Illness or pain may hamper your ability to celebrate, or you may be mourning the loss of a loved one. Like Mary, “You may be frightened by the load you bear.” Know that you are not alone. Your Lord walks with you. Like Mary, reach out with this simple prayer. The Breath of heaven, the unconditional love of God, will breathe on you.

“Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of heaven
Breath of heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy.
Breath of heaven . . .”

Judy

*Breath of Heaven, Amy Grant and Christ Eaton.