As I ponder this years Christmas, the snow is falling outside the window. I am fortunate that I am blessed enough to be sitting inside, with family and a warm fire to enjoy. I am mindful that for many people Christmas is a difficult time. How different the snow makes me feel this year. This morning I took some time to read through, in part, the Christmas story. I was struck by Mary and her reponse to the the scandal 
that God had asked her to partake in. Last year I wrote about the response Joesph had (see My Hero-Joseph) upon being told that his wife was pregnant. For some the Christmas story is a myth that equals nothing more than superstition. To others the story of Christmas is more about participating in an exchange of gifts. Still others see a scandalous affair that describes a miracle of a baby being born to a teenage virgin. I happen to fall in the latter category, but certainly do not rule out the importance of giving gifts (and can understand why some see it as only a myth). We are told, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” God chose this amazing girl to bring about a change to humankind and to reflect the inner beauty of all mothers who choose to follow the path of Mary. I am amazed by Mary’s response to God as she willingly throws herself into a scandal that has rocked the world for 2,000 years. A scandal that has transformed the lives of countless individuals and families in our world. I am especially reminded of the children and youth that we have worked with on the streets in Latin America. The miracle baby has reached them too. Mary certainly deserves our gratitude and respect as a mom who was willing to enter into a risky situation to offer us a gift that is eternal. Thank you Mary.
Development and Justice 