Later on, in the book of Luke, we have another angel bringing baby news (how relatable? Christmas is such a busy time for us midwives, isn't it?). This time the news is delivered to a young lady called Mary, who is still a virgin. And it's news of the baby, the son of God. She responds in song in chapter 1:46 'My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour'…and then later, 'his mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation' and 'He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble'. She certainly knew who her God was, didn't she? Her song is laced with Hebrew scripture.
I wonder if she heard Isaiah being read out in the Synagogue too? Like we'll be hearing in our churches this Christmas. Chapter 9:2: 'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.' Did she know she was carrying the light of the world? It's mind-blowing, isn't it?! The light of the world submits to the constraints of a small, dark womb. God becomes flesh, dividing cells become a vulnerable foetus developing in stages until ready to be birthed. As we marvel at the incarnation, let us remember that as Christian midwives, we carry his light too; not in our wombs but in our hearts. We carry his light into every consultation, every labour suite, every home, every ward. What a blessing it is to be used by him! Let us burst into song like Mary did!
Please join with me in praying:
Our souls glorify you LORD
We rejoice in you, our saviour
Embolden midwives to shine your light
before others so that they might glorify you too.
Amen
