Leanna Crawford - Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) Lyrics
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, 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, breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Video
Leanna Crawford - "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)" [Christmas with The Chosen]
Meaning & Inspiration
Leanna Crawford’s rendition of "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)," released on October 8, 2021, as part of the *Essential Christmas Songs* album, offers a profound spiritual reflection on one of the most pivotal moments in human history. This contemporary interpretation powerfully channels the human side of Mary's experience, providing an intimate glimpse into the mind of a young woman grappling with an unprecedented divine calling. The song immediately draws us into her reality, moving beyond the traditional idealized portrayal to explore the very real fear, wonder, and incredible burden of being chosen to carry the Son of God.
The narrative crafted within the song encapsulates Mary's journey from revelation to courageous acceptance. It vividly paints a picture of her physical and emotional vulnerability, capturing the weariness of travel and the internal questioning that would naturally arise from such an extraordinary circumstance. When she expresses, "I wonder what I've done / Holy Father, you have come / And chosen me now to carry your son," it reflects a deep humility and perhaps a sense of inadequacy, echoing the sentiment of Moses at the burning bush who questioned his own ability (Exodus 3:11). This isn't just a simple retelling; it’s an exploration of the profound weight placed upon her shoulders, a young woman navigating a path "in a world as cold as stone" and fearing she must "walk this path alone," a sentiment many can relate to when faced with daunting personal callings.
Crawford's delivery of these lyrics accentuates Mary's raw human emotion and her desperate need for divine support. The verses paint a vivid picture of her vulnerability, not diminishing her faith but rather deepening our understanding of it. Her honest admission of being "frightened by the load I bear" is a crucial element, reminding us that even the most faithful figures in Scripture experienced human fear and doubt. This resonates with the psalmist's cries for help in times of trouble (Psalm 18:6). The song emphasizes that God does not always choose the outwardly strongest or most prominent, but often works through those who are willing to surrender their perceived weaknesses to His power, as seen throughout biblical history (1 Corinthians 1:27).
The heart of the song, the repeated chorus, serves as a fervent prayer: "Breath of Heaven, hold me together / Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven / Lighten my darkness / Pour over me Your holiness for you are holy." This is a deeply theological plea, invoking the "Breath of Heaven" as a clear reference to the Holy Spirit, the *Ruach* of God, who hovered over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2) and whose power was promised to the disciples (Acts 1:8). Mary’s cry is for the indwelling, sustaining power of God to physically and spiritually hold her together, to illuminate her path in moments of uncertainty (Psalm 119:105), and to infuse her with divine purity and strength. It’s a prayer for divine intimacy and empowerment, recognizing God's absolute holiness and her need for His sanctifying presence to fulfill her sacred mission, much like believers today seek the Spirit's guidance and strength (John 14:26).
Ultimately, the song culminates in Mary’s profound act of surrender: "I offer all I am / For the mercy of your plan / Help me be strong, help me be, help me." This pivotal moment reveals her complete trust in God’s will, even when the future is shrouded in mystery. It mirrors Jesus’ own prayer in Gethsemane, "not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42), and the apostle Paul’s exhortation to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Her plea for strength underscores that God doesn’t ask us to navigate impossible tasks in our own power, but promises to equip and empower us through His mercy. It reminds us that our true strength comes from acknowledging our need for divine intervention and leaning wholly on God’s unfailing support.
Leanna Crawford’s "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)" stands as a powerful testament to faith, vulnerability, and divine empowerment. It beautifully bridges the historical narrative with contemporary human experience, inviting us to see Mary not just as an icon, but as a sister in faith who wrestled with fear, yet ultimately surrendered to God's perfect plan. For anyone facing an overwhelming calling, a daunting season, or simply the daily struggles of life, the song serves as a profound reminder that we are never alone. We are encouraged to cry out to the "Breath of Heaven" for strength, light, and His holy presence, trusting that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). This song doesn't just celebrate Mary; it inspires all who engage with it to embrace their own journey with faith and courage, knowing the same Spirit that sustained her is available to us.