I was excited in 2007 when I purchased the Amy Grant CD "Home for Christmas" as I had long enjoyed her voice and I looked forward to hearing her take on many favorite holiday tunes. A couple songs into my first listen, I was struck by a song that was new to me... a song that beckoned me to pause to reflect upon the "Advent experience" from the perspective of a pregnant Mary. While I was, of course, very familiar with the scripture stories and our popular traditions around Mary being visited by the angel to announce that she would found favor with God and would bear his son, as well as the dream that Joseph had that encouraged him to still marry Mary and raise the child with her. I knew of the journey to see Elizabeth her kinswoman. And, the search for a place to give birth is well known. However, I did not reflect much before on the pondering that must have taken place for Mary in between. The song "Breath of Heaven" is one possible take on her pondering. In case you are not familiar with it, the lyrics are: 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? Be with me now, be with me now 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 Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one should have had my place? But I offer all I am For the mercy of Your plan Help me be strong, help me be, help me 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, 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, Breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven (Songwriters CHRIS EATON, AMY GRANT, Published by © BUG MUSIC) This has since become a wonderful focus song for Advent for me. Mindful that God chose Mary to be a special vessel, I love the idea of her wondering if she should be the one? Was she strong enough? Smart enough? Holy enough? How well this explains our human doubts. Before receiving Holy Communion, how often do I wonder these same things. Basically, am I worthy? Well, of course not, as we admit that "I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof..." yet we, in His grace, continue "but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." Do I truly allow God's Word to enter into my soul? Much as Mary allowed the Spirit, or breath, of God to enter her, now must I be open to the Spirit coming in the presence of bread/host and wine. May it "pour over me (God's) holiness" to make me more holy in His name. Thank you, Lord, for speaking through Amy Grant in this way that grabbed my heart and encouraged me to reflect more deeply on the faith that Mary placed in you, and to allow that example to inspire me to take you more deeply "under my roof" as Christmas nears....but also for each and every time I receive you in the Eucharist. As I receive your body and blood, keep me mindful that I also receive a "Breath of Heaven."
4 Comments
Cindee
12/11/2013 09:46:19 am
I just saw this CD in the diocesan Library this morning, just in case anyone would like to give it a listen!
Reply
6/12/2016 02:47:30 am
And, the search for a place to give birth is well known. However, I did not reflect much before on the pondering that must have taken place for Mary in between. The song "Breath of Heaven" is one possible take on her pondering.
Reply
Cindee
9/7/2018 02:05:29 pm
Here is a link to a YouTube video of the song:
Reply
Cindee
12/20/2023 09:45:48 am
This popped up in my Facebook memories, and I just realized that I bought the Amy Grant CD in 1992. Not sure what happened in 2007 that made me type that year... but it was good for me to reread this as I prepare to receive Christ anew this Christmas!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Details
*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
July 2021
Categories
All
|