Alexandra "Ecky" Malick Meditation

H ow might we acquire the kind of faith Joseph had? All odds were against him. His young betrothed is found to be pregnant—an anathema in Middle Eastern culture. Poor Joseph, a good and kindly man, sought to “dismiss her quietly” and then get on with his life. But in the night, an angel appears in a dream, and perhaps Joseph had also heard through oral tradition Isaiah’s unfathomable, but prophetic, words, “the virgin shall conceive a son which shall be named Emmanuel,” (God is with us). At any rate, Joseph does not question the dream or the prophesy. He takes Mary as his wife and remains faithfully by her side in a stable on that first Christmas night. In the dead hay, in a cold and dark manger, our Lord was born and began to die that we may have everlasting life.

My baby, Hunter, celebrated two Christmases. His third was spent in Heaven. The following year my sister Darrell’s daughter, Elizabeth, met him in Heaven. Ten years later their cousin, Bo, age 10, joined the Wyatt- Brown choir of angels. Elizabeth’s voice is still heard as the E bell in the bell choir at St. David’s, Austin.

Singing Christmas carols at my Grandmother’s bedside, we heard her smiling last words, “Christmas is such a beautiful time on Earth. Imagine what it must be like amongst the heavenly hosts!” That night she knew. My wise father commented that God seemed to be rearranging the Heavenly Kingdom during Advent to celebrate the Holy Days ahead.

We, like Joseph, must hold our eyes towards Heaven without fear of the future. We are not promised that Life will be like Macy’s Christmas parade. But we are promised that through continued prayer and seeking, even death becomes a marvelous part of Life if put in our Lord’s hands. If we hold onto the Rock, we will not drift away but be taken down the River of Life to new beginnings. May we grow in trust and gladness for whatever this Advent brings.

All things work together for good for those who love God according to His Word. (Romans 8:28)

We prepare for your coming, Lord Jesus. Let us clean house, sweeping out fear, disbelief and doubt, replacing self will with God’s grace, our greatest gift. Then we shall go forth in song adorned with Love, Light, Peace and Joy. Amen.

Alexandra "Ecky Malick (MAR 1997)

Los Angeles, California