A crisis of embarrassing proportions.
Mary, the young virgin girl considered Innocent and inexperienced is engaged to be married finds herself in a taboo situation.
She's pregnant and not married and juicier yet, an angel delivers the "good news."
Advent is a real story about a family facing a crisis. We've all been there before. Our stories may be different than the one we will discover in "The Coming" but the feelings, fears and hopes are similar.
In case you've forgotten or are new to this ancient plot, the "official' Advent story requires faith in angels and magic and all things woo woo so hold on tight.
Imagine going about your business one day, life is good, perhaps you're contemplating the exciting adventures to come (in Mary's case, her wedding) and suddenly an "other being" appears, commonly referred to as angels.
The angel proclaims "Greetings, you are favored! The Lord is with you. You have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son…blah blah blah…I doubt she focused on the words that followed. The beginning was enough to toss anyone off balance.
Untimely, unexpected, not on a wish list, shocking, unsolicited.
Mary responded classically with doubt and fear.
The angel's news was meant to be good. However, it was hard to digest, there were troublesome aspects and we'll learn as the story unfolds long journeys to take, misunderstandings, lack of resources and the outcome would not be known for years into the future. Mary was asked to live by faith when on a regular basis her experience in the natural world challenged the initial proclamations of the angel. To boot, she was the only one present when the angel visited. Yep, that's right, no one to back up her story, no one to help her remember word for word what had been said. This short conversation with the angel changed the course of Mary's entire life.
Deep breath.
The angel quickly offers reassurance and Mary, the archetypal Innocent, agrees, believes and jumps on board.
Oh the Innocent spirit! Alive and well in each one of us at some point. We want to believe our lives are meant for something big and grand and meaningful. That our presence will be felt by others and remembered when we are no longer here. We have faith to conquer mountains and reach the highest peaks.
Raising my hand high, Innocence led me down the path of adoption. From this perspective, I would never turn back but I'll admit Innocence was shattered soon after we adopted. Although Mary's story leaves room for interpretation, woman to woman, reading the challenges she faced, I have no doubt, Innocence was shaken in her as well.
You know Innocence by the event in your life that is marked by before and after. Innocent before, street wise after.
It's fascinating to me that I have so much in common with this ancient figure, Mary.
How about you, how do you see yourself similar to Mary at this point in the story?
The loss of Innocence can be a painful experience. If you're remembering the pain, take a deep breath in and exhale the pain. Breath in unconditional love and exhale whatever feels painful. Letting go of pain is imperative. If we want new life to sprout, we must release what is being held. A great place to start is simply using our inhale and exhale. Inhale new life and exhale the painful memories.
Prayer
Spirit, Spirit I love you. Thank you for Innocence that gives wings to my making magic happen in my life even if it uncovers my frailty.
