I'm not sure how I have missed it, but I had never heard the Pentatonix version of Mary, Did You Know. There I was, driving through my town to pick up my kid from school, minding my own business, listening to a Christmas playlist, and it filled my car. Then it filled my heart. Then it filled my eyes. Then I started to ugly cry right there behind the wheel as I was negotiating an intersection. It was an unstoppable force. Not good for driving safety, so I had to take some very deep breaths and just let it wash through me.
I resist crying. I just do. Some folks only become more lovely when they cry. Their eyes get dewy and large and reflective. Crystal tears fall from their lashes and they become angelic and shimmery. That is exactly unlike what happens to my face. It collapses in on itself and my throat constricts and my nose becomes swollen and red. For several hours it's apparent to everyone from my puffy, red eyes and glowing nose that I've cried.
However. Despite my blotchy appearance, it was a thing of true beauty that the account of God With Us in the arms of his mother touched my spirit like that, even when I've read it and pondered it and treasured it and heard it a thousand times.
It was a moment I needed.
Merry Christmas to you. Today, whether or not you share my faith in Christ, wherever you are in the world, I wish for you a peaceful, joyful day, surrounded by those you love and filled with all good things. And only happy crying.
This Christmas, more than any other I remember, I am SO conscious of Immanuel - God with us. He Is with us, even if we are self-isolating, in a bubble, staying home alone. Nothing, not even this wretched virus, can separate us from his love. God bless you and your loved ones on this Holy Day. (I hope that after hearing "Mary did you know" you went and watched the video. Beautiful!)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family! 💓
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Thank you for this beautiful post. This song is one of my favorites. And because we can’t always physically be together we know that Emmanuel, God is with us’ spiritually is so comforting.
ReplyDeleteAdonna
Yes! I believe Mary knew too, and what a divine calling she had to be able to raise the Son of God.
ReplyDeleteI, too am deeply moved by this song. For me, it speaks volumes of God in the birth of Christ. A plan so grand that one can stand in awe of what Jesus accomplished. Amazing words to ponder. A beautiful post this is.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Merry Christmas. It is hard to believe that Pentatonix did the video back in 2014. It too gives me shivers up and down my body. I also become tearful. Many people through out the years have sang and been touched by those powerful words written by Mark Lowry in 1984. I remember when it was done by Kenny Rogers and Wyonna Judd, then Kathy Mattea, Clay Aiken, Natalie Cole, and many other famous people including the US Army Band, and a young Hindu group called Sanam. The power of words, music, and God. Love
ReplyDeleteThat song gets me as well, especially the line when you kiss your little baby you kiss the face of God...just trying to imagine how young Mary wrapped her head around that simple fact right there. I also love the song 2000 Decembers Ago, another one that sends chills through me every time I hear it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one moved to tears by this song. The first time I heard it, it was the version sung by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd. It's so beautiful and moving... to think that God would become Man for us.. as broken and sinful as we are.. because He loves us so. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI so agree with all the previous postings from your followers. Yes, this is my favorite Song and so true, I am always in tears when this is sung or played. I am hoping that your Christmas was as blessed as you pray for. Merry Christmas and thank you for your inspiring entry today. Love and hugs sent to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful song! Sending my love. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love reading what you write! Thank you for this post and for sharing your touching experience. This song - especially the rendition by Pentatonix - is one of my favorites. Merry Christmas :)
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