Sting’s version of Gabriel’s Message is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs.

One of my earliest vivid memories was riding around in my parent’s car at night listening to this song, and others, on the 1987 A Very Special Christmas cassette tape (the whole compilation is the best).

I always thought Sting’s voice was borderline ethereal. I mean, in this instance, he was the voice of an angel.

In addition to swooning over Sting’s sound, the song itself resonated with me.

I was raised Roman Catholic and (despite the struggles I’ve had with my faith) always felt a closeness to Mary.

She watched over the garden in my Italian grandmother’s backyard.

She was the saint I chose on my confirmation (go big or go home).

Her small statue, originally surrounded by holy water from Lourdes that has long since been evaporated, is my co-pilot wherever I drive.

Even as a kid, when I heard this song and what it meant I thought, “That’s a really big and scary ask.” But she stepped up.

When it comes to religion or faith, I don’t claim to know anything.

What I do believe to my core, however, is that we are all called to do great things. I’m not sure what my great contribution will be (and maybe it’ll be a bunch of small things that will add up), but I do hope that when I’m called, I’m brave enough to step up.

Christmas is a reflection on and celebration of the birth of Jesus. But, to me, it’s also a reflection on and a celebration of the birth of possibility in all of us.

Hoping you find peace and potential.