Christian Middle

An Imagining based on Luke 1:26-58; 2:1-5 

When I was a little girl I remember so clearly my father talking about how much he wished the Lord would send His Messiah to us soon. Then, my mother would say how blessed would be the woman whose privilege it would be to give birth to this Holy Son of David.

But I never thought it would be me. Nor would I have ever guessed that it would happen this way.

The night the angel visited me and announced that I would bear this child, I hardly knew what to think. What stuck in my mind was how in every story Abba taught me from the Scriptures, the person the Holy One visits should be ready to serve the Lord. So I pledged to do this with all my heart and soul. For that night, at least, I felt full of grace.

In the morning, however, fears began to creep in. That’s when I remembered what Gabriel had said about my cousin Elizabeth and suddenly I had a plan. I needed to be with her; she, of all people, would understand.

I should have told Joseph, I realize now. But, honestly, I wouldn’t have known how, at that moment.

The months I spent with Elizabeth calmed my fears and strengthened my spirit. When I left her, right before John was born, I was ready to face and embrace what was to come. She reminded me that the Holy One would provide for me no matter what trials came. And it was so true! As I journeyed back to Nazareth, I felt life within me for the first time. Even as I left Elizabeth’s warmth, I found that the Lord was comforting me with the presence of my son.

It was the babe’s strength that gave me the courage to tell Joseph. I couldn’t blame him for his disbelief. I, at least, had an angel to bring me the news. But, soon even, so did he. The next morning when he brought me into his home, I realized the Mighty One had provided again. Now I actually have a partner in this incredible undertaking. Joseph has become my shield and my sustainer in a town that can’t be expected to understand.

We’re traveling now, headed for his ancestral home in Bethlehem – some Roman edict. But we agree, this is holy provision, too. While I’ll be sad not to give birth where my own family can see, it will be a comfort to be just another couple having their first born. I want a happy birth for this precious boy: a joyous, untainted celebration.

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