Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Breath of Heaven, Hold Me Together

 'So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this Child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things
and pondered them in her heart ...'
Luke 2:16-19

 
We continue to make our way through this Advent season.

We have attempted, not always successfully, to step away from our ordinary routines so that we can fully appreciate His extraordinary story.

For some, this venturing away from business as usual happens gradually, almost imperceptibly.  For others, it requires a clear decision made that invites the possibility of a holy awe to settle in and over and somewhere deep within our beings. 

Whatever.  The good news is that it's never too late to ponder the sacred story of the birth of the Holy One, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  And His young God-chosen mother.

For Mary is living out an unbelievable holy saga as her simply unexplainable pregnancy and the scandal that surely swirled around her take on a life of their own.

Literally.

The grueling journey by some beast of burden takes place in her final days of pregnancy.  At their assigned destination, does panic descend as she realizes that there is not a decent room to be had? 

And what does she do with the stark realization that she and Joseph will be settling into an animal shelter, a shed jam-packed with an assortment of creatures whose owners have also joined the town's throngs?

As labor pains begin to grip her body with a burning frequency, the surreal reality hits her and her husband-to-be.  Her birthing suite would be right in the midst of manure-littered straw with cumbersome, noisy animals staring as they chomped on their feed ... and no woman friend or relative to gently guide her to the culmination of this, her virgin birth.

The Spirit who brought Jesus into her womb never leaves her side as she delivers the Son of God into a fallen world that's just as messy as the shed in which He took His first earthly breaths.
 
Miraculously, the Spirit quiets her young wise soul even as the Holy Child's first visitors include a random assortment of shepherds and more than a few curious bystanders who've caught wind of this unusual sacred drama. The ragtag company heads off in awe to spread the incredible heavenly news. 
 
And Mary is somehow able to pause.  In the midst of all that has swirled around her in a short period of time, she gently rests with her Savior-Baby and processes all that has happened.  Does she once again offer up those early pregnancy praises recorded in Luke's first chapter?  Or does she simply contemplate her own private thoughts during these first hours with the Son of God in her arms at her breast?


Fast forward a couple thousand years. 
 
In the midst of our own whirlwind of emotions, travel plans, unexpected circumstances, glorious surprises, and deepest disappointments, we, too, are offered a compelling invitation to lay aside all that's ordinary and dwell on the sacred extraordinary.  We, who have been offered eternal hope and everlasting joy, are invited to ponder the remarkably glorious news that Jesus Christ is born.  And meditate, once again, on the miracle of our salvation and promise of heaven for those who claim Him as their own.
 
Just like the young virgin mother did all those generations ago.  

He still lightens our darkness, He holds us together.  What a wonderful Savior.

Glory to the matchless name of Jesus ~
Linda

28 comments:

  1. Linda, I've heard the phrase about Mary pondering things in her heart a thousand times, but I never really pictured the scene before. I wonder ... What specifically was she thinking about? And did she keep up this practice as her baby grew into a boy, and then a man? Somehow, I think that she did. I never thought I had much in common with Mary, but maybe this is something. Thank you for these beautiful words, dear friend.

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    1. It's hitting me this year that she was about the age of my granddaughters. That has bowled me over. I can't even imagine. And the gospels don't mention that she had mother or sisters. She had to travel to see her Aunt Elizabeth. This all astounds me.
      💞

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  2. Praise God he holds all of us together, who, like Mary, put our trust in Him. I've lived long enough to experience his sustaining power through trial, pain, hurt, perplexity, and more. That's not to say I haven't struggled (Surely Mary had her moments too!), but NEVER have I felt abandoned to make my way through trouble alone. In fact, he always draws nearer when difficulties arise, providing strength, comfort, guidance, and encouragement. Hallelujah!

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    1. I've felt abandoned by people but never ever by the Lord. I totally resonate with what you're saying, Nancy. He is as near as our next breath. May we never forget His lavish love, may we never look to others for the depth of solace that only He can provide.

      Thank You, Jesus.
      ✝️

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  3. This made me think of Heb. 4.16 that says God give us "grace to help in time of need." Just as He gave that grace to Mary, He will give it to us in whatever need, busyness or stress we encounter. Thanks for this beautiful reminder.

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    1. For sure, Donna, yes. 'Just as He gave that grace to Mary, He will give it to us.' Most of us have been around long enough that we can recall grace after grace He's shown us, especially when we've been undeserving. I'm so grateful ...
      ☀️

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  4. I identify so fully with Mary’s pondering. I raised full-blooded humans with nary a tinge of the divine who have jobs and ministries I can identify with and still, motherhood is the thing that keeps me vulnerably questioning everything I know. And their swords become our swords…

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    1. 'Motherhood is the thing that keeps me vulnerably questioning everything I know.' Um, yeah! 'And their swords become our swords.' I want to hear more, Michele.
      ⚔️

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  5. Loved, loved your breath of heaven post today. 🙏❤️

    * via text

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  6. so beautiful. I love the phrase - breath of heaven. Full of life, spirit and grace@

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    1. Amen. Just hearing that phrase, that Name, calms and soothes the weary soul. Thank You, Lord.
      💙

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  7. Love the song "Breath of Heaven."

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  8. Still holding us together. Yes indeed. Good thing too. I need all the glue I can muster! :)

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    1. My glue never worked well. Always clogged up with all kinds of junk I never took care of. So grateful that He steps in when we ask Him and makes all things new.
      😏

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  9. A wonderful post today. Thank you, Linda.

    God bless you and your family always.

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  10. I needed this today, Linda. Deep down in my soul. Thank you.

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  11. Beautiful post, Linda. How I love the thought of Jesus holding me together, because I can feel so "unglued". But I have to come to Him for that to happen. Thank you for the reminder to REST.

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    1. Maybe that's the best gift we can give each other right now ... the invitation to rest our bodies, minds, and souls.

      Merry Christmas to you, dear Donna ...
      😴

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  12. Such a beautiful capture of the Christmas message. TFS!

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    1. Have a wonderful Christmas celebration, Amy! I'll see you next year?!

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  13. Linda, this was such a peaceful message for me to have read today. I pause to reflect and ponder with Mary and all of you today
    Thank you for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
    Merry Christmas dear friend.

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    1. Thanks for opening the doors to us all each month, Paula. May God bless you for your generosity and kindness! I'll see you in January.
      📅

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