Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Cassandra Palmer is pictured with her children Liam and Annie, December 2019. (CNS photo/courtesy Cassandra Palmer)

The joy of Advent and pregnancy


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Catholic News Service Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Commentary, Feature, Guest Commentary

Cassandra and Matt Palmer are pictured with their children Annie and Liam, September 2017. (CNS photo/ courtesy Cassandra Palmer)

Imagine the countless moments the Virgin Mary experienced during the months between the Annunciation and the Nativity — that special, private time that she and Jesus shared while he was growing in utero.

St. Joseph was privileged as an intimate and supportive witness in that time of pregnancy, but there are certain quiet moments that a new mother communes with her preborn child in a way that cannot be conveyed to others.

Her times of prayerful preparation and anticipation were literally the first holy season of Advent. Despite any natural physical discomforts or hormonal mood swings she could have endured, the Canticle of Mary gives us a small glimpse into her overflowing joy, knowing the glory of the Lord resides in her own womb (Lk 1:46-55).

As I write this, I am expecting a new baby. Over the course of 40 weeks, pregnancy seems to transform everything: My body stretches along with the baby’s development, my home is rearranged to make room for so much baby gear, and my work calendar shifts to manage new priorities and prenatal appointments.

Spiritually, I am transformed by the existence of this little one and contemplate the person inside, and on God’s perfect love for the both of us. It shapes my prayer intentions.

In my dining room there is a framed picture of pregnant Mary, quietly gazing out and resting a hand on her round belly. I enjoy centering on that picture while prayerfully “chatting” with Our Lady about the hopes and dreams she had for her miraculous child as she paused to feel him kick from within.

I ask for her intercession as a woman who can relate to the wonder and grace that is inspired by carrying a precious child of God.

Advent is so very akin to this kind of prayerful anticipation, and the spiritual preparation for God to shift the ordinariness of our lives into new and timeless blessing. Pausing to reflect upon the indescribable mystery of the incarnation fills me with awe and wonder at the Lord’s merciful love.

“The Visitation,” circa 1445, which was created by Luca della Robbia, was featured in an exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in Washington. Mary’s times of prayerful preparation and anticipation before the birth of Jesus were literally the first holy season of Advent. (CNS photo/courtesy National Gallery of Art)

And yet … all too often that spiritual reflection is overshadowed by the busyness of our physical preparations of Advent. All the baking, decorating, countdowns and shopping lists are distractions from what’s quietly developing internally.

While I pray, reflect and write, a movement of the baby reminds me that I have company. This is a season in which I am literally never alone. But it isn’t just about this pregnancy — we all have the company of God at all times. Faith in that divine presence is what invites us into a joyful overflow of spirit.

Differently from Mary, I already have two young children who are absolutely delighted by the pregnancy and fascinated to witness the development of their new sibling.

My daughter will lay her head upon my belly, whispering loving words to the baby. My son instigated a daily countdown to the due date. Their joyful anticipation in embracing the new baby is like a sample of our church’s communal experience of Advent worship.

We do not simply await the Christ Child as individuals in quiet contemplation. Rather, we come together in prayer and worship, singing carols and evensongs, and we gather to share Scripture and sacraments.

Our preparation efforts are made lighter by the company. Just like with my children’s excitement, our church’s joy is multiplied when it is shared.

It’s hard to effectively prepare the kids for the seismic shift approaching our household lifestyle. Likewise, the Advent season is a reminder that our own childlike faith can hardly imagine what God has in store for us.

The Advent season directs our hearts toward the incarnate union of heaven and earth, and the Holy Spirit beacons our devotion to Christ and his Holy Family. Our own Advent joy unites us with the Virgin whose soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.

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