The birth of a child is a positive sign of hope and continuing life. The woman clothed with the sun - Mary - gave birth to a divine child, who is the hope of the entire world. But it is a struggle - the darkness tried to snuff out the light, as it always does. Sometimes the light coming to birth within our hearts and souls struggles with the darkness. But in the end, the light is always victorious. Salvation is a long, continuing process. The powers that are opposed to God must be overcome one by one. Jesus, and the Mother of Jesus, are at the forefront of this battle. We, too, have our roles to play. We are not mere spectators. Mary's humility must not be mistaken for weakness. Her song of praise is almost like a battle cry - she rejoices that God has come to remake the world completely. Those in power will be cast down; the lowly will be raised. The hungry will be amply fed; the self-satisfied will be given nothing. She rejoices in a just world and social order, which should be part of our spirituality. Mary walked with God and was taken up by God in a manner similar to Enoch and Elijah of the Old Testament. We are invited to walk that same path with God each day.