a gift from a friend before Advent III

An old and beloved friend forwarded this to me via Facebook earlier today - and it hit a place deep within me. As some of us prepare to enter the Third Sunday of Advent tomorrow, a Sunday of rejoicing in the Holy Virgin's presence rather than quiet reflection, maybe this will speak to you, too.

If you want, the Virgin will come walking down the road pregnant with the Holy and say, “I need shelter for the night. Please take me inside your heart, my time is so close.” Then, under the roof of your soul, you will witness the sublime intimacy, the divine, the Christ, taking birth forever, as she grasps your hand for help, for each of us is the midwife of God, each of us. Yes, there, under the dome of your being, does creation come into existence eternally, through your womb, dear pilgrim, the sacred womb of your soul, as God grasps our arms for help: for each of us is His beloved servant never far. If you want, the virgin will come walking down the street, pregnant with Light, and sing. -St. John of the Cross