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And Mary said, I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened -
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy,
set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
Have you ever considered just what the situation was for Mary when she first heard she was pregnant?
Her world was falling apart - her future uncertain - and yet she prayed a prayer of praise!
We might find parallels to our present times
where find ourselves, like Mary, in a quickly changing environment where it's hard to keep
our balance.
We wonder if Mary had any idea what Jesus’ birth would truly mean for the world.
Mary did you know?....
Mary did you know your child would inspire us to pull victims from the mud?
Mary did you know your child would lead us to feed the starving?
Mary did you know your child would cause us to be merciful?
Whether she knew or not, Mary answered her call with a resounding "Yes."
As we enter the Advent season, anticipating the birth of the Christ, we, like Mary, have
the opportunity to greet the future with our own "yes" - first, like Mary, by going again
to God in prayer.
By asking, in the words of our General Assembly theme: "Lord, teach us to pray."
Asking to be open to God’s loving leading.
This Advent season and beyond may we be inspired
by Mary’s prayer and the birth and life of Mary’s child.
May we say "yes" with our time, talent, intention, openness to others,
caring for the vulnerable.
May we say "yes" to caring for women and children.
Say "yes" to welcoming the stranger.
Say "yes" to feeding the hungry good things. .
Say "yes" to caring for God’s good creation.
May we sing out with Mary into an uncertain future,
"what God has done for me will never be forgotten!"
For God has fulfilled God’s promises, has sent mercy upon mercy in the
gift of Christ Jesus.
Blessings on you as you anticipate and celebrate this season of joy.