12/12/2011

Mary's Letter...


To my son…

Oh how my heart aches for you! It seems a lifetime has passed since they crucified you yet it has only been 2 days.  I am unable to quench the tears running down my cheeks as they are unending. My arms ache to hold you. Yet, as much as I ache right now, I am think back to when the angel visited me on that night oh so long ago. I was so young and so very afraid, yet I was consumed with wonder as he told me of you!  My heart was overjoyed that I was to be your mother. My family, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure. They questioned me, scorned me, rebuked me, and called me a liar. I mean, how is it possible to become pregnant when I had never been with a man?

Oh my love, the trials I went through even as your earthly father questioned my virtue. I don’t blame him for how he felt though. He was going to divorce me, well, until the angel appeared to him and assured him of your supernatural creation. He was so scared. The hurt and fear that would have been in his heart must have consumed his every waking moment.

We loved each other so very much.
  
How I waited for the day I could hold you in my arms for the first time. Despite the gossip, hurtful words, and hateful accusations, my love for you was immediate and fierce. I knew you were special and the truth behind your existence even if no one else believed me.

Then Caeser, he decided to call a census. That was the reason we had to travel to Bethlehem. What a treacherous journey for us. Your poor father, leading the donkey I was riding and having to care for me. I was nearly ready to deliver you into this world. My back ached, my feet were so swollen, and every little jolt and bump wreaked havoc on my body, but I did not complain as I knew your father was worried enough about my well-being. He was so gentle and kind and did not complain about the hardship upon him, always putting my needs above his own. I miss him so much!

When we finally arrived in that town, it was so busy! There were people rushing about everywhere trying to find shelter for the night. Your father searched in vain for shelter for us. I was already feeling faint from the early onset of labour. Time was of the essence. I knew in my heart we didn’t have long as my body was preparing itself for your arrival. My son, I was so scared! Where would we stay? What would we do? My mother had informed me as best she could about how to deliver a baby into this world. I had witnessed many animal births before that, too. I just didn’t realize it would be quite so painful!

Finally your father found a stable, full of animals. It was crude, dirty, and had such a horrible stench within of animal dung but, at least it was a place to rest. I was so relieved to be able to get off that donkey and lay in the straw. By then, the pain was becoming more unbearable. I was sweating, and the pain in my belly was enough to make me moan. Your father was so concerned. He searched frantically for someone to help me but could not find any.

In what felt like forever, you exited my body and oh the relief and wonder as I gazed upon your face. Here was this child I was promised! Oh Jesus, the first time I held you in my arms I could hardly see you for the tears streaming down my face. I had no other way to express my love for you. I wanted to hold you and protect you for eternity….



Oh my son, I long to hold you again. I’d gladly take your place. The pain in my heart is unbearable. I’m broken and empty and numb without you in my arms. I love you so much.

It’s hard for me to trust in the plan that was shared with me so long ago. That you were here to save the world from itself. My heart aches for you. I know your Father is in control and in that I put my faith, but the hurt, oh the hurt of losing you….

I’m amazed Yahweh loved me enough to give me You. Yahweh gave me You to share with the world and His love is so amazing and awesome. How could He love me? How could He love those who harmed you, whipped you, spit on you, and crucify you? He is the one and only…

Yahweh is the essence of what love is…sending you to me yet allowing you to die brutally at the hands of mankind as a pure and perfect sign of your unending love for us, your precious creations.

I still miss you son.

I love you.

Your Mother

12/08/2011

Christmas...

...is coming.

It's coming whether we like it or not.
Normally this time of year brings about stress, feelings of resentment, anger, and a general "bah, humbug!" attitude out of me.

The shopping, the planning, the decorating, the baking, the logistics of who to see and when, the pressure from those closest to us to see them more and the impending guilt that goes along with that. I CAN DO WITHOUT ALL OF THAT!

However,

this year is different.

We're barely into December and the decorating is done, the baking is mostly complete, the annual Christmas photo is prepared and on it's way to many, many recipients, the Christmas music has been playing since November 25th but most of all....

I've been craving the peace that Christmas represents, the intimacy with my creator. 

I've had Josh Groban's version of "Silent Night" playing on repeat quite often. It's my favorite Christmas carol.

The lyrics in that song speak to me. I'm able to envision myself on this amazing night, one like no other for this young couple in a filthy animal dwelling. The calm that came over them after the agonizing birth of bringing a baby into the world. Imagine the the first moments of bonding between Mary and her newborn as she holds this miraculous marvel in her arms.

This child we celebrate...

He then grew up into a man....


Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "