Mary's Song

Covid may interfere with usual Christmas festivities this year, but one tradition in our home remains intact—that is, watching our holiday favorites. Movies like: It's A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and Home Alone (just keepin' it real) are Christmas staples in the Corum household.

Last night, The Nativity Story (2006, starring Oscar Isaac and Keisha Castle-Hughes) was our movie of choice. And an excellent choice it was. The story never fails to pull me into Mary and Joseph’s incredible journey of faith. "Breath of Heaven" (Mary's Song) from the soundtrack plants me right there with them on their pilgrimage from Jesus’ Holy Spirit conception to His birth in that Bethlehem manger.

I think Mary touches me the most—her holy mix of certainty and doubt, of wonderment and fear, of feeling privileged at God choosing her and yet humbled by Him living in her.

Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)

by Amy Grant

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 . . .

I’m not wanting to infringe on the honored position of one Blessed above all other women (Luke 1:42), but Mary's inner journey seems so kindred to mine (to ours). We, like Mary, have and will travel many moonless nights in our pilgrimage of faith. At times, the road seems so long and difficult. We wonder why our Holy Father chose us (of all people) to carry His Son’s presence. Does He ever wonder if He should’ve picked someone wiser? someone worthier of such an honor?

We too wait in silent prayer, frightened at times by the sacred load we bear and the immense responsibility He's entrusted to us. In a world so harsh and cold, must we walk this difficult path alone? Be with us now, Lord! Be with us now!

Still, our hearts echo Mary's cry, "But I offer all I am, for the mercy of Your plan. Help me be strong. Help me be. Help me . . ."

May the breath of heaven hold you together through this 2020 holiday season. May the Lord be forever near you, lightening your darkness with His tangible presence, pouring over you His holiness. May He bless you with a very Merry Christmas!