Session 4: Wait for the Breath

Step 1: Stilling

Slow right down. Become aware of your breathing, of its gentle rhythm, of its source deep within you.

Become aware of being in the presence of God, the Giver of breath. Breath of life. Inhale the life that God gives.

Become aware of your connection, your place in the world around you. You have a place. Be at peace.

Step 2 : Scripture

A reading from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 2 : 1-20


In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

First: As we begin, bring to mind the three persons of the Trinity, looking on our world with love, seeing its beauty and brokenness. We remember that out of love for us, the Second person becomes human to save us.

Second :

Two scenes. Both remarkable for their ordinariness.

Scene one, a simple place where animals are kept.

Scene two, a field.

To begin with, imagine the scene.

There may be just a little light. Trace it to its source. Or there may be darkness. Let it enfold you.

Feel the air around you. Dry, damp? Cool, warm?

Perhaps there’s a new smell you’ve never sensed before. Breathe it in. Let it linger. Or a new texture. Feel for the first time the roughness of cloth, the warmth of an animal flank, damp earth beneath your feet.

Figures moving softly around, working together, perhaps unwittingly preparing for this scene of profound significance.

Third : What is it I am looking for in this ordinary place where the momentous is about to occur? What is it I want to ask for from the depths of my being? Could I go right up to the crib and ask for that?

Might I allow myself to be invited to stand or sit somewhere in this scene? For I am indeed part of it.

A young girl giving birth to a first baby. It’s not always easy. Let a tenderness towards this first-time young mother come to the fore. How does Mary seem to you?

Wait for the breath. Wait for the breath. The whole room holds its breath as it waits for that crucial first indication of life. And exhales in relief as the cry comes. What does it sound like? Feel the significance of that first breath. The Son of God becoming flesh.

The moment of recognition. Watch how the young mother responds. Her first glimpse of her baby. Recognisably, wonderfully recognisably, her own. Yet with something, profoundly, of The Other. Can she see it? Sense it? Stay with that first moment of recognition.

Watch how she wraps her baby in cloth. Slowly, carefully, deftly, or perhaps nervously, clumsily . Let that movement mesmerise for a moment. Look at the baby’s skin, the shape of his head, his fingernails, eyelashes, nostrils.

Feel the enormity of this moment. The Son of God becomes flesh.

Now go to the nearby fields. For a moment immerse yourself in the sights and sounds. Shepherds on their chilly nightshift. Feel the earth beneath your feet. Hear the scrunch of your steps on the ground. The soft bleating of the sheep. The low murmuring of the shepherds. The crackle of a camp-fire. Then sudden drama, confusion, terror as an angel appears.

The glory of the Lord shining around them.

Let yourself be in that explosion of light. Step into it. Bathe in that sense of the glory of the Lord shining all around. Is it a fusion of colour? Is there a new sound? A new scent? A taste? A texture?

The glory of God joins our troubled earth and brings us peace. Nothing to fear.

Then, as if one angel were not enough, suddenly a great company of angels, huge reinforcements, reiterates the message, praises God. Is it singing, is it chanting, calling out? Immerse yourself in the blizzard of sound. Could you join in?

As they all leave, feel the air around you again. Notice your gut reaction… what’s happening for you? Pay attention to the physical sensations…

Go with the shepherds. Just go with them. Run with them. It’s urgent. Go and see for yourself.

Fourth : in your prayer, try to distinguish between the three persons of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Spend some time just speaking with whichever Person of the Trinity you feel most comfortable in this moment. Speak about your place in these two scenes, your thoughts, your feelings, your desires, about what is real for you.