Some of my favorite Christmas songs are the old carols that have been sung by Christians during this season for generations. Other great songs of this season are more recently written, and yet they also take us back to parts of the biblical story. One such song is “Breath of Heaven”. I listen to this song each year as one of the tracks by Amy Grant on her “Home for Christmas” CD.

“Breath of Heaven” comes to us as a song by Mary, the young, somewhat startled mother of Jesus.

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. Light up 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 me. Breath of heaven. Breath of heaven. Light up my darkness
Pour over me your holiness. For are holy. Breath of heaven.

Mary did face quite a challenge and opportunity, as a young woman called to be the mother of the Savior, God in human flesh. And yet as Mary considered what God asked her to do in her life, she accepted the challenge and sang a song of praise to God for the wonderful plan that God had for the world. We know this song as “The Magnificat”:

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy,
according to the promise He made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to His descendants forever.”
(Luke 2:46-55)

What is God asking each of us to do as God’s plan for the redemption of the world unfolds? And will we trust that God will send the breath of heaven to support and empower us in our journey?

Prayer

Breathe on me, breath of God, and help me to find the power that You provide for me to live each day as a follower of our Lord and Savior. Help me be strong. Help me be. Help me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen