Freed from Barrenness

A couple long awaiting a child, yet not able to have children, must be one of the greatest sufferings. Yet today, the feastday of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Anna gives birth to Mary, and is freed from barrenness. Anna and Joachim celebrate. Never give up hope, for God's plan for us is perfect, according to His will, and timetable. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Life is always the best gift anyone can receive. Theirs was "life in abundance", for through the Birth of the Theotokos everything is changed. The Kontakion says that Adam and Eve are freed from the corruption of death, and we from the guilt of sin, celebrate and sing to you.
I believe every life has great purpose. Today, we brought our grandson to church. I thought about how his young life has touched us all and brought us great joy. I wonder what will he be when he grows up. I can imagine how Anna must have thought the same thing.
This is the Troparion for today: Your Nativity, O Virgin, has proclaimed joy to the whole universe. The Sun of righteousoness, Christ our God, has shone from you, O Theotokos. By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He has granted us eternal life.
Wow, and all this came from a barren women, along with God's plan for mankind, through the Virgin, Mary, the Theotokos and the Nourisher of our Life.