In the Silence of Mary’s Womb

De Yarrison shares a meditation on the life of Jesus that she loves to contemplate during Advent: the time He spent in Mary's womb.

And it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

This verse has always brought me comfort in times of suffering. I live my earthly life in Christ. I can take Him all my pain and wounds and sinfulness and live through each season or circumstance in His strength and love.

I recently had the spectacular realization that the reverse is also true. In a mystical sense, every moment of Christ’s life can be lived in me. Every moment of His life is available to me and presents a way for me to unite my life to His completely; not only the moments of His suffering, but each moment of His earthly life.

moments of tenderness with Mary
moments of companionship with Joseph
moments of laughter and delight with the children

There is a particular “moment” of Jesus’ life that I love to contemplate during Advent – His 9 months spent in His mother’s womb. I want to share a meditation with you, written by my sister Laura, that helps me sink deeply into the profound peace and safety of Mary’s womb.

Take a moment to just breathe and let your mind, body, and soul relax in God’s presence.

Visualize Our Blessed Mother standing before you ... A beautiful young woman, her long dark hair just slightly visible beneath her sky blue flowing mantle. She fixes her loving gaze on you ... looking deeply and tenderly into your eyes and in this moment you know you are truly seen ... known ... and loved. The warmth of her gaze fills you with a peace like none you have experienced before.

Without a word she places her hands on her pregnant belly and draws your attention to the soft Light glowing within her. Here in Mary’s womb Heaven and earth meet and humanity is infused with Holiness and Light.

Imagine you can see through her and actually see the Christ Child sleeping peacefully within her womb. How does God, the Holy Trinity Made Man, appear?

Can you see the umbilical cord that connects God to Mary? How softly radiant is the Light of the Christ Child ... how still and silent is this holy space ... the garden of life where heaven and earth are forever made one in the Divine Person of our Lord ... Son of God and Son of Mary.

This tiny Baby is your Savior. Take a moment to breathe in His Love ...

Now imagine yourself resting in the silence of Mary’s womb with Jesus... Let His Peace that passes all understanding envelop you... In stillness and quiet you shall find me and I shall restore your soul... feel the gentle beating of His tiny Heart... already aflame with love for you.... feel the beating of Mother Mary’s heart... a quiet echo in her womb.... let your breathing, your heart’s beating become one in rhythm with your Infant Savior’s.... in this sacred silence heart speaks to heart... what does your heart long to say to Jesus? What does your heart yearn to hear Him say to you? Breathe in and out... slowly and deeply and let your heart rest and listen.

As you inhale and exhale again it is time to whisper a parting word to baby Jesus and Mary....

Know that you can always find Jesus here in Mary’s womb ... Our Mother, the Mother of God, the Woman clothed with the sun, held the Creator of sun and the stars within her womb ... surely her holy womb is more spacious than the heavens and can hold you in holy nurturing silence too.