An Easter Nativityනියැදිය

I was there,
probably over 30 years ago,
it’s a night you don’t forget easily.

Up on the hill, at night, watching the sheep, when all of a sudden it was so bright it was almost daylight. We’re surrounded by choirs of angels singing ‘glory to God in the highest’ and telling us to go into the town.

I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t a baby and a mum who looked about my age.
But, we knew, it’s hard to describe exactly, but this child was magnificent, God was truly present,
and Mary, that’s the mum’s name, she smiled at me deep in thought.

We kept in touch and made a point of meeting up every few years. These last three or so years have changed everything, but I never thought I would see this; the baby I worshipped becoming the man I saw crucified!

My heart is broken. I had hoped that Jesus was the Messiah, and Mary is convinced that he is, but this seems so… final!

I must go to Mary, we can comfort each other.

This monologue was originally used as part of a Good Friday Walk of Witness liturgy, use it and the scripture that inspired it to reflect on these two foundational events.

What do the incarnation and crucifixion mean to you personally?