The Manger of Mary's Heart. By: C.C.

And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." (Luke1:38)

Picture taken at The Abbey of the Genesee.

     Before our Lord was born in a manger, He was conceived within the virginal heart of Mary. Throughout the Advent season it is fitting to contemplate the ways that we have prepared the manger of our hearts to receive Christ. Have we created within ourselves an interior fitting for our Lord?

    By journeying with Mary throughout the Advent season we are not led away from the focus of Christ's birth, but called to a deeper understanding of Christ's majesty and significance in the fulfillment of God's plan for our salvation. One can not pass through the Advent season without reverence toward the pure earthen Vessel through which our Lord entered into the world. We are called to a heightened regard for the depth of reverence and  preparation necessary to receive our Lord most intimately.This preparation was first lived by the Blessed Virgin Mary in the hidden places of her heart. 

   There is a dilution of meaning and significance when the Christmas season is regarded as a means of glorifying the isolated moment of our Lord's birth; overlooking the wondrous mystery and humble cooperation that was shown by Our Blessed Mother to fulfill our Lord's plan. The same is often done with The Resurrection of our Lord. Many want Jesus, but not the Cross. There is longing to embrace baby Jesus with rejoicing, but disregard Our Blessed Mother's witness. Our Lady teaches us a lot about our spiritual journey and shows us the way to fully receive Christ into our hearts. Our Blessed Mother leads us loving toward her Son.   

   By meditating upon the virtues of our Lady, and through reading today's Gospel from Luke we come to understand the ways that we too should prepare the manger of our heart. May we soften our Lord's residing place within us by striving to live with humility and love. Let us keep our gaze upon the Lord desiring that His will be done. May our daily surrender to our Lord birth fruit that is most pleasing to Him and be an encouragement to the hearts of others. 

By your yes we have our Savior
with your answer we know our Lord.
Through your fear, Mary you trusted.
Blessed be your Holy Womb.
I am sure that some have doubted
Your importance to our faith;
but your 'fiat' gave us Jesus
and your sacrifice helped pave our way.
(CC)