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Dear Mary: Musings and A Reflection on Motherhood, Advent, and Jesus Coming
- Holleigh Locklyn
- Dec 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 11
Hello again, sweet mamas!
As we all know, we are in the middle of the season of Advent (check out my last post to see how I'm honoring Christ every day with my daughter using our immersive Advent Calendar!). This is such a sweet time to remember what the Christmas season is really about.
It’s a season of anticipation. I know my three little ones are definitely anticipating all the treats and presents under the tree, which is fine! Kids love that about Christmas! But truly, Christmas is about the birth of our Lord and Savior and what started the ultimate sacrifice.
Advent means “coming,” and that’s exactly what it is: the coming of the divine Christ, human on earth, and the anticipation of His second coming.
But in this season, I can’t help but think about Mary. From one mother to another, her sacrifice and trust in the Lord makes her the Ultimate Mother...so I wanted to write an open letter to Mary, in part inspired by “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” by Amy Grant (If you’re a mama - even if you're not! - turn on that song and read this letter with me!)
A Reflection on Motherhood, Advent, and Jesus Coming:
Mary,
How does it feel to carry a child that was never yours? Knowing that your child would be the ultimate sacrifice? To face so much scrutiny, being so young, and unmarried- forced by a census to travel to a land you don’t belong in to give birth in a stable? How does one young woman find that much strength and courage? To listen to the angel Gabriel as he tells you that you’ve been chosen to carry the son of God - how does that feel? To be an ordinary girl one moment, and in the next, the vessel for reunification with God? How does it feel knowing you have to carry this child, raise Him, perfect and blameless, just to know that He will be mocked by the world? Be brutally killed? How will it feel watching your baby that never belonged to you tortured and beaten?
People don’t often stop to think of a mother’s sacrifice. I wonder if anyone ever stopped to consider your feelings: Were you scared? Unsure? Anxious? How did it feel to rely on Joseph and the sweet secret you had with God? Mothers have always been expected to put their children before themselves, in the same way that Christ does with all of us. Imperfect as we are, He still loves us and chases us with His whole self. I always try to do right by my kids. The second I became a mother it stopped being about me. As a mother, I do not matter, and that is the most beautiful gift of all.
Mary, thank you for raising Jesus in his earthly home. I would be so scared...but you are strong. I will pray for and draw from your strength. Thank you for being what every mother wishes she was- selfless, brave, and remembering that there are so many things that are bigger than herself.
PS- love these beautiful Nativity themed balls from Hobby Lobby! Gonna have to snag some for my tree this year!
Tutorial: “Jesus Is Coming” Advent Candle Jar Craft
A gentle, reflective craft inspired by the waiting and anticipation of Advent.
Supplies:
A tall, smooth candle (the thicker the better for burn time)
1 Mason jar or any clear glass jar - to serve as the Holy Vessel for your thick candle
A piece of clear vellum
Any white sticky substance for adhesion- like Mod Podge or diluted school glue
Tissue paper in any color- I prefer white, beige, and beige!
Paintbrush or foam brush
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Jar
Make sure your jar is clean and free of any blemishes. The jar will represent Mary: soft, open, and ready.
2. Prepare Your Candle
Choose a candle that feels good in your hands- something sturdy, something that stands tall, something that says, “Jesus is coming.”
3. Wrap it Up
Wrap the vellum around your candle nice and snug. Not too tight… not too loose…Just enough to gently embrace the candle without suffocating it. Secure it with double-sided tape.
4. Wet the Jar
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the jar to get it wet and ready.
5. Tear Tissue Into Pieces
Tear pieces of the tissue paper and gently stick to the sides of the jar where you’ve slicked on the Mod Podge to create a stained-glass effect. Gently cover the top of the tissue with another layer of white Mod Podge (don’t worry, it dries clear!)
6. Put the Candle in the Jar
Place your wrapped up thick candle inside the sticky jar.
When you turn it on, the warm glow will represent Jesus Coming as Christmas draws near.
7. Light the Candle
When you’re ready, dim the lights and light your candle.Watch the glow warm up from the inside, gently illuminating your jar.
Now...
Take a breath.
It’s Advent.
It’s reflective.
It’s soothing.
It’s deep.
And it’s entirely between you and the Lord –
He is Coming.
How to Use Your Advent Candle Jar
Light it each night during Advent.
Say a short prayer for peace, hope, or courage, just like Mary needed.
Use it during story time or during your readings of Scripture.
Share your prayers and blessings with the Home Sweet Holleigh community! Comment below or engage on social media! Find me on Instagram and TikTok at @homesweetholleigh
Want to create your own Advent Candle Jar? Hobby Lobby has everything you need!
Check out these supplies from Hobby Lobby:
remember to always find meaning in the little things
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