Thursday, December 11, 2008

Breath of Heaven

One of my favorite things to do after the Christmas decorations are all put up, is to be sure the house is extra clean, turn off all the lights (save the ones from the decorations), make sure some yummy smelling goodness is floating through the house and just feel peace. Almost as if I am trying to summon it during the chaos that is usually bouncing around in my head. I love to drink in the quieter parts of the season. To be still.....the wonder what the Silent Night might have been like. To be grateful that I am Home for the Holidays and truly marvel at that O Holy Night.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is called Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant.

To those of you unfamiliar with the lyrics they read like this:

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 me,
Breath of heaven.

Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.

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.
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven.

I particularly love the verse that I highlighted in red. I think of Mary and the tremendous task before her. How inadequate, how ill-equipped she must have felt. But she offered all she had. I am inspired by her courage and her commitment to do what God asked. Though I in no way compare myself to Mary......I have a burning desire (that gets loaded down with so.much.junk.) to do what my Father in Heaven wants. To offer all that I am. For the mercy of His plan. Often when I am befuddled by how best to serve my family, how best to love them, I hear the phrase from that song (even when it is not Christmas).

Help me be strong.
Help me be.
Help me.

And He always does. He always does when I allow Him to.

1 comments:

Keepin it Sassy said...

you know that song was in my wedding :) loves it!