by Mary-Constance, With Permission, Christmas 1996

To bear and give birth to Jesus the Son;

Through the power of the Holy Spirit

This miraculous work in her was done.

Being the chosen mother of Jesus,

she wasn't immune to suffering pain;

tearful and full of sorrow she did stand,

gazing upon her Son's tormented frame.

All mothers experience closeness,

our children uniquely ours alone;

we are tied to them always, come what may,

from their prebirth until they are grown.

As mothers we are chosen stewards,

chosen to bring into the world new life;

to bear, nurture, to love, and to teach,

in suffering we're there to share their strife.

Being chosen to be someone's mother

does not end when they're grown,

leaving the house;

mothering continues at a distance,

the fire of love which nothing can douse.

As Christian mothers we have more to give,

more than gold and worldly adulation;

introducing them to prayer and Jesus,

chosen to introduce them to Salvation!

Luke 1:28-3