Everything — every note, every word, every second of this song fills me with strength, reflection, and a certain faith in the intangible. This is what I believe in. This is what I need in my life, every day, to keep my focus of what my existence on this earth is all about.

I’ve already told you about the Christian rebirth that I experienced in July 1988, and I’ve touched on the topic of spiritual wavering several other times in the countdown. It has become a part of who I am to question this faith from time to time. Amy Grant’s song, however, that shares the Nativity from Mary’s perspective, shifts the selfish focus on me to the selfless and ever-faithful courage of Mary.

When I listen to this song or re-read the lyrics, I find it pretty easy to put any one of our journeys in the same situation. We often find ourselves alone, frightened, and in the dark. Everywhere we turn seems to be a dead-end. Our friends cannot be found or have turned on us, and the tangible things that we have foolishly relied on for strength no longer bring us the comfort (no matter how false and horrible that comfort might have been) we are seeking.

It is through Mary’s strength, her faith in God, that she was able to carry on. There were no tangibles to rely on, only her belief in a breath from heaven to lead her along the way.

If we’ve forgotten how to do it, if we have somehow lost our way, we can find it once again now during this most holy of seasons. At Christmastime, we are given the stories of faith, of miracles, of strength, of perseverance to guide us along our journey, but only if we take the time to stop for a few moments and allow the busy, hectic time of Christmas shopping and preparations to settle like swirling grains of sand in purified waters.

And when they do settle, we are left with the clarity to see all things, believe all things that define our place on this earth.

Take those few moments. Listen to Amy Grant share Mary’s story. Let the grains settle and the glory of clarity shine through you. These are tough days for so many, and regardless of your spiritual foundation, there is great comfort that can come from just taking the time to calm the crazy waters of the more material and mechanistic aspects of the holidays.

Five minutes and twenty-nine seconds. Press play, and let Amy (and the wonderful video) help you settle the swirling grains. . . .

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.

I am waiting in a silent prayer.
I am frightened by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone,
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now.
Be with me now.

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.

Do you wonder as you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place,
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan.
Help me be strong.
Help me be.
Help me.

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,
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.
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven