Innocence. Love. Divine faith. The link between the spiritual world and humanity. In the Christmas story, Mary represents all of these elements.
Back when Nyasha and Shanté were babies, a television show named Northern Exposure hit the media world. It is even more relevant today as it was cutting edge when it premiered. The mix of cultures, the effort to teach significant acceptance of differences, and the familial love of people portrayed in the tiny Alaskan town brought unprecedented recognition and awards.
In the Northern Exposure episode titled Seoul Mates, the story of Divine love is explored, touchingly, through many cultures. In one subplot, Shelly is missing the Catholic experience of the holiday, the creche, the mass, the music. As the show ends, we see that Holling has transformed the town hall. She comes to pray, and finds the statuary, candle light, and sound of tradition. With his euphonious voice, her love sings the Ave Maria. I never get through it without tears, never.
My kids will tell you that I have spent entire days, if not entire weeks, listening to strands on youtube, various forms of the Ave Maria. Schubert’s version enlivens a part of my heart that is inexplicable. It melts me, inside.
Kwami and I caught André Rieu in concert a couple of years back. I am constantly moved by the music. It is like the entire plight of humanity, all of our struggles and complications and issues, transform into light. The connection between humanity and Spirit. “Mary.” Love.
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