Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Mary's journey Monday, December 22, 2014 Luke 1:46-48 "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his lowly servant ..." Can we spend part of these last days of Advent in silent communion with Mary, the mother of God? Carrying a baby heavy in her womb, worrying with every step their donkey takes that her labor pains will begin on their journey to Bethlehem? Mary's hands are swollen just a bit, and her lips are swollen too. Her blood pressure is rising, and she knows the baby is coming. The child moves inside her, and she feels it. She has long since guided Joseph's hand to the spot on her abdomen where he could feel it too, smile, laugh, fall suddenly silent. It was growing every day within Mary's body, this very special child, filled from the instant of its conception with the Holy Spirit of their God. Whatever I am doing today, I am also walking alongside Mary and Joseph, feeling the rocks under my sandals, and wanting to get to Bethlehem. This journey has gone on long enough. It is time to rest, and let baby Jesus come. The earth is ready, Mary is ready. I am ready. The world holds no claim on Jesus, no claim on you, Lord, even as we walk beside your mother in this same old world. No shame in this walking, to be human. You brought glory and honor to being human, returned us to the old dream of the garden, and restored our original blessing. We await your birth on our knees, hold our breath and listen. We love you. "; Add      Edit    Delete