Mary and Christmas...

Fr. Joachim Trytania

There is a beautiful song called Breath of Heaven, or Mary's Song. The words tell of an imagined prayer from Mary to God. In it we hear how Mary might have expressed her human fears and doubts about the task she had accepted. At one point the words of the song say, "Do you wonder, when 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." These words remind us of the humanness of Mary, for while she was certainly blessed, she was at heart, human. As a human, she must have felt a sense of fear and doubt, even as she was overjoyed at the prospect of being an instrument in fulfilling God's plan. We hear Mary in her own words later in Luke's gospel when she says, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." Mary recognized that God had chosen her, but she also recognized that the job to which she was called would not be easy. We often look to this Gospel and focus on the miracle of Jesus conception. Perhaps one of the overlooked miracles of the Annunciation is that Mary said 'yes.'

God calls us all. He may not send the Angel Gabriel to us or give us a task as great as carrying His Son, but our callings are just as real as the one given to Mary. How many times in your life have you felt led, or called to a particular place or person or task? Have you gone willingly even if you feared or doubted where you would be led?

Accepting God's will is not a guaranteed, easy road. In fact, the road is often bumpy and filled with obstacles. We may often in the midst of that road question whether we are worthy or willing to continue. But God does not give us a task without also giving us the strength to bear it. Look again at Luke's Gospel of the Annunciation (1:26-38) and you will find not only the announcement of the wondrous miracle of Jesus' conception, but will also see God's plan to support Mary.

After greeting Mary, the first thing that the Angel said to her was, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Most likely Mary did not yet understand the challenge before her, but her immediate human reaction was probably one of fear and doubt. In His infinite love and compassion, God first spoke to her human needs. He reassured her, comforted her, and told her that she should not be afraid. Only then did he share His plan.

In times of trial or great responsibility, we often hear that God does not give us more than we can handle, that he never pushes us beyond our capacity. The proposal presented to Mary must have been overwhelming at best. It may very well have seemed impossible. But again, God supported Mary in her fear. A sign that God would support her was given to her. Elizabeth, Mary's kin, was with child in her old age. Unlikely, but nothing was impossible for the Creator. The Creator reminded Mary of her faith. The promise and sign of support that God gave to Mary provides us with the hope and confidence that He is with us and will support us in our difficulties. The sign Mary received was a visible and clear one. Our signs may not be as obvious, but we can never doubt that God is with us, always guiding us and ever ready to calm our fears. Christmas is a reminder of it.

Another line from Mary's Song is, "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." Like Mary, we can take comfort in the knowledge that, though the world may seem cold, we never walk alone. For God is always at our side, holding us together and giving light to our darkness. Christmas is the fulfillment of God's plans . Listen carefully for His call, be willing to say 'yes' to His plan for your life, and know that He will provide support to help you be strong.

Merry Christmas!