Mary the Magnificent

Luke 1:46b-55

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies God, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, who has looked with favor on my lowliness. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name. God’s mercy is for those who give respect from generation to generation. God has shown strength and scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. God has helped Israel by offering mercy, according to promises made to our ancestors, to Abraham and Sarah and to their descendants forever.”

Who is Mary?

Is Mary the clean caucasian we see in many manger scenes?

I prefer a younger version, a more childlike version, like these young girls:

I want a less immaculate Mary, and I don't mean an immaculate conception!
I mean a messier, more realistic birth. 

Artist Sara Star wanted to uncover birthing when she offered her painting, "The Crowning of Jesus," a different kind of crowning of King Jesus :-) 

And I like this image of a newly born Jesus before he gets cleaned up for the press photos . . .

. . . and a Mary who had to really labour and push and sweat and strain.

An interesting blog written by "Joy" invites women to write about their birthing experiences: HERE 

She begins her blog by offering her imaginative interview with Mary who reflects on the birth of Jesus. Although Mary is still depicted as the "mother of God," Joy does acknowledge in responding to someone's scholarly comment that she was sticking somewhat to 'script.' However, I do appreciate that she is attempting to place the birth of Jesus into reality.

Our Advent Exploration question for today is: Who is Mary for you?