Advent with Theotokos, Week 2
A meditation on the Nativity through the Mother of God
Since much of my work this year has centered on motherhood, in both human and divine constructs, it seemed only natural that this Advent I would revisit the age-old Christmas story through the eyes of the mother of God. This is the second of a five-part meditation series you will receive every Sunday of Advent and on Christmas Day.
The historical Church dubbed Mary “Theotokos” or “mother of God” in the year 431 A.D. This Advent, let us fix our gaze on the Holy and Eternal One through the eyes of Theotokos.
A note: to get the maximum benefit from this meditation, save it for a time when you can give it your full attention. Find a peaceful place to sit, have a journal and pen handy, perhaps light a candle, and take an internal posture of prayer, expecting the Spirit to stir something within you that is relevant to your own life. If you would prefer an audio version, just reply to this email and let me know.
Week 2
How did he know how to trust himself?
How was he able to dissent so freely;
so quietly self-assured in his knowing?
How could the man Jesus be sure that what he felt inside was God?
How did he dare to say he knew God for himself?
She had taught him, of course.
She who, too, was asked to trust her own path
when it looked nothing, nothing, like theirs.
She who entered into union with God,
consulting neither parent nor peer nor fiance.
She who went from maiden to mother in the blink of an eye
because she knew a God who spoke directly to people like her.
There was no permission to ask but her own.
And so when her baby grew tall & long & hairy & wise
and needed to blaze his own trail,
make his own way,
take his own risks,
follow the still, small voice that was only his to hear,
she nodded and let her heart walk outside her body;
off to heal the masses
and infuriate the authorities.
She nodded and understood
because she had shown him how.
