1When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:1-4 ESV

Devotional Thoughts…

The beauty and the theology of this song is surpassingly wonderful. Listen closely to the way the song seems to connect our own need for God and Mary’s struggle of understanding God’s incredible grace. I want us to pay special attention to the Triune nature of God on display in these lyrics: “Holy Father, you have come and chosen me now to carry your Son…be with me now Breath of Heaven….”

In Acts 2:2 the church in the upper room is waiting for God’s Spirit as Jesus commanded them before He ascended. The Holy Spirit’s entrance into that room is described as a “rushing mighty wind.” The word “wind” may also be translated “breath.” So then, let’s assume this is what the song means by “Breath of Heaven,” namely, a way of describing the Holy Spirit. 

Now, in the first lyrics of our song, we may clearly make out the three persons of the Trinity and their roles in His gracious work of Redemption. The Father is recognized as choosing Mary, and the Son is described as being made of a woman and desperately needing the presence and guidance of God’s Spirit. These three roles are clearly given to us throughout the New Testament. The Father is regularly seen as choosing His people because of His great love wherewith He loved us. The Son is undoubtedly God in flesh, the express image of the invisible God. The Holy Spirit is not a force, but another person of the Trinity whose role is to indwell, guide, sanctify, and be the very presence of God with the believer. 

As we consider the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, we are like Mary all those years ago, staggering at the wonder of God and the great things He had done for us. Our God, one in being and three in persons, is beyond our limited view, yet He has made Himself known to us so that we will one day dwell with Him forever.

Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song) Lyrics…

I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done
Holy Father you have come
And chosen me now
To carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Breath of heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Breath of heaven

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