A Labor of Love
Earlier this morning I was listening to a recording of Kristen Stapp singing Andrew Peterson’s song, A Labor of Love.
I was reflecting on the amazing truths communicated by these lyrics. Perhaps one reason I was so caught up in the meaning is that for this Christmas season I have been thinking about Mary, her faith, and her personal sacrifice. This scripture gives us a glimpse into Mary’s relationship with her God:
…and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me -
holy is his name.
Quite a statement for a teen who finds herself pregnant outside of marriage in a society that is willing to put women in her situation to death. Amazing faith, it really was a “labor of love.”
Sorry I can’t share Kristen’s version, but this video is worth a prayerful look and listen.
Lyrics to Labor Of Love
It was not a silent night
There was blood on the ground
You could hear a woman cry
In the alleyways that night
On the streets of David’s town
And the stable was not clean
And the cobblestones were cold
And little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
Had no mother’s hand to hold
It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love
Noble Joseph at her side
Callused hands and weary eyes
There were no midwives to be found
In the streets of David’s town
In the middle of the night
So he held her and he prayed
Shafts of moonlight on his face
But the baby in her womb
He was the maker of the moon
He was the Author of the faith
That could make the mountains move
It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love
For little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
It was a labor of love
