“Today the barren Anna claps her hands for joy, the earth radiates with light, kings sing their happiness, priests enjoy every blessing, the entire universe rejoices, for she who is queen and the Father’s immaculate bride buds forth from the stem of Jesse” (adapted from Byzantine Daily Worship).

Whenever we think of Mary, we think of Christ. A healthy love for Mary will always lead us to her final recorded words in the Scriptures, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

While our lives are woven with the love of Christ, the threads of life are needled together through the tenderness of a Mother’s love. Her faithfulness to God’s call on her life, gave the world its Savior.

As I think of my own life, whenever a major decision had to be made, when the crossroads were presented in front of me, I turned to Mary. Whenever my heart feared the road ahead, the depths of my being called on her name. In her, I find the consolation and strength I needed to follow Jesus. She will never disappoint and we will never love her as much as Christ loved her.

Nine months after the celebration of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here is a prayer I wrote in her honor.