Christmas is not Christmas without Christ in it. The Christmas story can never be told with out Mary in it. In fact, Salvation History would not have unfolded as it had without Mary’s ‘Fiat’. It is one of God’s amazing ways how a simple teen-aged virgin would serve as the linchpin of such a cosmic event as God becoming man.
In many societies and cultures during that time of Mary, and in fact still in some societies and cultures today, women were considered as of no real consequence. Sometimes, no better than a piece of chattel. God chose to write man’s story through the consent of a woman.
I cannot imagine my life with the women in it. I think of Ima and all the love and nurturing she gave me. I thank all the women who have brought color and meaning into my life, with no one more than Anabelle. I have always told friends and anyone who would care to listen that Anabelle makes things happen. Just as Mary made the Incarnation happen, so did Anabelle make our wedding happen. There were just too many obstacles to be overcome and she swept them all away. We are where we are today because she kept on pushing things forward.
I am disconsolate right now. Yesterday, I was hurt because of something that she did. Now, she is heavy-hearted because of the things I have said. And I am in even greater throes of sadness than I was yesterday. And yet, I know I love her and she loves me. This is another difficult period in our relationship. It is a time when we realize that love is a decision. We are both making the decision to love. Right. Now.
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
~ Psalm 89
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.”
Luke 1:26-30