Each Sunday through this Advent a dramatic monologue from Mary’s point of view is included in our church service. I was assigned to write two of them, and the first of mine was presented this morning. The theme was “preparation”, and here is what I came up with.
The Annunciation, by Henry Ossawa Tanner, c. 1898
I am changing every day with the life that grows inside of me. And it’s not just my belly that is changing – it’s my hands, my hair, my face! It’s as if my whole body is preparing to be a mother!
And I want to be prepared. I’m trying to get ready. I’m trying to stay strong and healthy; listening to the advice of my mother and the midwives. I want to be ready to be a mother when the day of my labor comes. But I wonder, can I be ready?
I’m not afraid to care for a baby. For years I’ve watched my mother take care of my younger brothers and sisters. I’ve even helped her. I know what a mother does.
But is that enough? For this child? I know, I know – every mother thinks their child is special. But I have more reason than most, don’t I? The angel appeared to me! This child is the Son of the Most High, the Glory of Israel! How can I prepare for him? What will he know of his purpose? What will he need from me? How can I be ready to mother the Messiah of God?
I am an ordinary woman. I still don’t understand why I was chosen for this task; it seems too much for me. I have nothing special to offer. To nurse, and bathe, and tend and carry – it seems so little to give to the One we’ve waited for, for all these years.
And yet it’s all I have.
Prepare me, God.
Take all that I am; all that I have offer you.
Prepare my hands, my body, my mind, my heart –
Prepare me as a servant for the One whom you are sending.
Father, may it be to me as you have said.
Strange Figures 