Breath of Heaven

God’s word is complete and gives us all we need for salvation in Christ Jesus.  We know the scripture is ‘God breathed’ and we are secure in following His word.  Still there are some things within its pages that we don’t know.  Questions like, what was Jesus like as a child?  And, question markwhatever happened to Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father)?  Or, how did Mary cope with the news of her first pregnancy?  We only know what we read in the scripture, but many have tried to fill in the blanks to these questions.

In 1993 Ken Young penned the words to a song we have sung hundreds of times before the Lord’s Supper, Thomas’ Song.  Written from the view point of the apostle Thomas (doubting Thomas) we get a man’s interpretation as to what Thomas may have been feeling after learning of Christ’s resurrection. John 20:25-28 gives us the exact account, but we often like to imagine what Thomas might have said, “Jesus, You were all to me, why did You die on Calvary?  O Lamb of God I fail to see how this could be part of the plan.  If I could only hold your hand…”

In similar fashion, Amy Grant and Chris Eaton teamed up produce a song mirroring the possible thoughts and prayingfeelings of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  How did she feel carrying the Son of God?  Was she confused and scared, or was she excited and confident?  We only know what we read in the scriptures (Luke 1:26-38).  There we read, “Mary was greatly troubled…” (vs. 29) and her questioning, “How will this be…?” (vs. 34) as well as her humble acknowledgment, “I am the Lord’s servant…”.  And yet, as we continue in this passage, we read she had more to say.  She said,“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.” (vs. 46-49)

Was she uncertain? Perhaps. Was she grateful? Certainly.  But would that we all draw some encouragement as Mary might well have silently prayed that God would be with her.  This ‘Christmas hymn’ recognizes that God’s breath gives life (Genesis 1) and as the resurrected Messiah ‘breathed on His disciples’ (John 20:22), so Mary may have longed for God to give her the breath of heaven.

Enjoy this acapella version of a relatively new, popular Christmas song. Remember to check back later this month as we explore more ‘seasonal’ favorites.  This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Mary’s Song (Breath of Heaven).


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[Chorus:]
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
[Chorus:]
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

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