I have traveled many moonless nights. Cold and weary with a babe inside. And I wonder what I’ve done. Holy father you have come and chosen me now to carry your son… Breath of heaven hold me together. Be forever near me, breath of heaven. Breath of heaven lighten my darkness, pour over me your holiness, for you are holy. Breath of heaven. 

Written for her 1992 Christmas Album, Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song) was recorded by Christian-pop artist, Amy Grant. Even as late as 2014, this album still remains on national charts as a favorite for the season.

The lyrics draw the audience into Mary’s own mind as she is traveling towards Bethlehem and all that awaits her there. Fully aware of the gravity of the situation, this song offers a candid look at the difficulty any of us would have experienced knowing what God was actually doing in her life.

This song’s success is undoubtedly not only because it made Mary so relatable, but also, and more importantly, because it is honest about the overwhelming nature of God’s work in any and all of us.

God’s reign is not easy. Wonderful, yes. Beautiful, sure. But also life-altering and world-transforming. Willingly taking part in that work can always become daunting for us humans.

Within the lyrics is one particular line that is a perfect prayer for all of us when we find ourselves in a place that God’s work may seem too much: help me be strong. Help me be. Help me.

In this season of overwhelming expectations and extreme busy-ness, may this song fill you with the peace of the Holy Spirit (God’s own Breath), and give you a momentary respite as you attempt to follow in Christ’s footsteps.

Traditional Hymns & Carols – O Come, O Come Emmanuel & Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Lessons & Carols – Away in a Manger