Deep Thoughts

Christmas Blessings is a story about an unmarried, unhoused, pregnant woman who comes to Bayou Beni. Christmas magic follows. Lacey's story is evocative of Mary's story in the birth of Christ. Joseph stood by Mary, and made her his wife, and that started all the good things that became the Christmas story we know. But it all starts with Mary and her saying "yes". I think it is important during Advent to think and pray on the role of Mary in the Christmas story.

I think and pray on Mary and her role all year long, not just during Advent, but during Advent the thoughts and prayers are deeper, and I feel the presence of the prayers of others.

When Mary said "yes" to the Angel Gabriel, was there any way possible for her to see or imagine the path she was embarking on? Did she say "yes" to standing at the foot of the cross as she watched her baby crucified? She would have known that her Son, God's Son was sent to save mankind, but could she know what that salvation would cost?

In a very real way, every person that says "yes" to the gift of a child, either through birth or through adoption, knows they are saying "yes" to a very complicated future. There will be joy, and there will be heartache. There will be worry, and pride, and celebration and desperation. Parenthood is not for the faint of heart. Mary knows that. She knows all the things that parents know about living with a piece of your heart walking around outside your body. She knows the fear of a parent who has a child who is "different". She knows the heartbreak of losing a child to violence. Mary knows.

As I prepare my heart for the celebration of the coming of the Christ child, I meditate on Mary as an intercessor. For me, Mary is the human embodiment of obedience to God's will, no matter how challenging that obedience is. Mary, and her story strengthens my faith that no matter what heartache and suffering I endure, God is with me, holding me up in a very real way.

This Christmas will be one of the most difficult of my life so far. I am trying through prayer and meditation to focus on the joy. Forever blessed, in sorrow and in joy.