Deciding to become a travel writer in 2013 was not a hard decision. Even in the winter, driving around in a vehicle with heated seats is not exactly uncomfortable. Driving for miles without stopping is not hard. I can drive to any Midwest destination in a relatively short amount of time.

I am quite certain that Mary’s “road trip” that she did right before the first Christmas was not so comfortable.  Traveling when you are quite pregnant is rather miserable anyway.  I cannot imagine having to walk over rugged terrain without guaranteed lodging and the possibility of being attacked by bandits at any moment.  I would also guess that some of the paths were quite crowded and that several of the fellow travelers were the unsavory type.  After all, when the census was to be taken of all the inhabited earth, that did not leave the rougher people out of the mix.

When I read about Mary’s part in the Christmas story, I am always amazed by her attitude.  What if I walked through life saying “Be it unto me according to Your Word?” My life would be transformed.  Mary said “yes” to following God no matter knowing that involved inconvenience and sacrifice.  May we follow her example.

The Christmas song “Breath of Heaven” was written by Amy Grant and was on her second Christmas album.  She captured the essence of who Mary was in the lyrics.

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

Several years later, Sara Groves recorded her own version. I like how this lyric video correlates with the birth of Christ as reenacted.