In the spirit of the season, I think often of Mary, the young, humble and willing vessel of God's creative work.
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What an extraordinary way!
A womb - graced by the presence of the enfleshed Word that was with God and was God Himself, through whom all things were made, in whom was life and the light of all mankind (Jn 1:1-4); a womb - concealed by layers of taut human skin, muscles and etc.; a womb - in its virgin state. This womb was to bring forth the impossible in man's terms, and yet the possible with God: Emmanuel.
God is with us - in our world, many parts of which are shackled by sin, hopelessness, shadows of fear and the dreadful uncertainty that comes hand-in-hand with condemnation. God is with us - in the now but not yet, where we thirst for righteousness, justice, vindication for the weak and oppressed as well as healing upon our afflictions and nations/lands. God is with us - in our personal pilgrimages to search for the meaning of life, of which He is the author and perfecter. Upon the canvas of the Master Artist, the breath-taking and glorious story of ransom has been illustrated and its culmination promised. The light will shine in the darkness and darkness will never overcome it.
Unto us, a Saviour was born.
Mary inspires me. She is, but not just a portrait of courage and passion. She was, but not just the girl whom God had invested with a solemn responsibility as the mother of God Incarnate. (And I wonder, in light of my own experience, what was it like for her at 19 weeks!)
Mary is also a reminder of how God is able to fill with purpose, life and hope those whom His Spirit is invited to indwell. Furthermore, He calls us to partner with Him in His divine project of redeeming the world. Whether we are artists, writers, church workers, business men/women, engineers, managers, teachers, physicians, lawyers, homemakers, students or even aspiring parents, Emmanuel is an invitation for the Spirit-filled to create and be creative for the sake of expanding God's Kingdom on earth wherever we are - and we can now be fulfilled despite loss, seeming failures, grief, challenging bosses and other undesirable conditions, because we are no longer alone (cf. Matt 28:20). Ultimately, we join God in His creative works of mission. We co-create with Him. What a perspective to keep in mind.
God is with us. He is sovereign. His love is unfailing. His purposes, who can thwart?
Pregnancy and the conception of a life (with the exception of Mary's of course) is, therefore, not just the fruit of a couple's love-making. No, we co-created this new life with God. It is God, who prepared the soil, allowed the seed to be sown in His time and made the seed grow. It is God, who purposes the child's existence and who will bring the child into the world for His purpose yet unknown. Emmanuel. God is with us.
Food for thought - for me.
I echo Amy Grant's Mary in my prayer today.
"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..."
Such a beautiful song.
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