Writing reflections provides me with such blessings – left on my own, I would not immerse myself in the readings and the search into a deeper understanding of the meanings. Advent always allows me to reflect on preparation once again. Today, the focus of the gospel is on John the Baptist. Everything about John is touched by God – from his unlikely, perhaps impossible, birth to Elizabeth to his role in the ministry of Christ. Even as a babe in the womb, he recognized the presence of Christ in Mary as he leapt when Mary entered the house to visit Elizabeth. John recognized Jesus as the Son of God when he baptized Him in the river Jordan. John’s wandering in the desert and anticipation of the coming of Christ is not unlike us – Advent gives us the opportunity to come out of the desert and prepare for Christ, not in terms of decorations or shopping, but rather in the true preparation of our hearts, minds, and souls for the birth of our Savior and our very salvation.
I can’t write in the month of December without many thoughts of Mary. Whether it is the Immaculate Conception, the annunciation, or the visitation with Elizabeth, Mary is a young girl, a virgin, who has been the recipient of the biggest “ask” of history. I try to imagine (as I have many times throughout my life) how this was for Mary. She’s so young, and to receive the message that she did from Gabriel must have been overwhelming. Imagine the complexity of saying yes and the consequences that would follow. What does saying yes mean? How will she explain this to her mother and father? How about explaining it to her betrothed, Joseph? Yet, although she questions how this is possible, she says yes! She demonstrates a faith beyond anything I can imagine. She also demonstrates great faith in Joseph – clearly a good, Godly man who may initially doubt her story, yet nonetheless supports her. How did she know he would be so kind?
As a mother (and grandmother/great-grandmother), I wonder what Mary thought about her future. Those of us who are parents remember how many questions arose as we first thought about our children’s futures. Even before we saw their beautiful, wrinkled faces, we anticipated. Who would they look like? Will they be healthy? What will they be when they grow up? Did Mary deal with that myriad of questions? Did Mary have any idea of her baby’s future? Did she know the sacrifice He would make for us? So many questions in my mind of how a young, innocent girl could take on this enormous responsibility seemingly without anxiety, rather with a pure, open heart. There is only one explanation: unwavering FAITH! The same unwavering Faith that John demonstrated throughout his ministry and the same Faith that we are challenged to embrace not only during Advent but every day of our lives.
This song represents the essence of Mary so clearly that I must have it here for a December reflection: Hail Mary, Gentle Woman
Since we are close to the Nativity, I have to include my favorite version of Mary, Did You Know? It captures the many questions we have as parents about our children’s future in the unique circumstances Mary faced.
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
