Luke 1:34-38

“Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then angel departed from her.” vs. 38

Mary’s act of trust has been a model for believers since the beginning, and is one of the reasons that millions of followers hold her in such esteem. “Let it be with me according to your word,” she responded and she became the mother of Jesus the Christ, a child whose birth has quite literally been the turning point of history, the beginning of what is called the Common Era. We’ll be celebrating that birth this week. Yet the truth is that Jesus’ birth would have been long forgotten had it not been for the billions of believers in the centuries since who have followed in the footsteps of Mary. In them the birth of the Christ has been replicated again and again in every dark corner of the world. We see it clearly in our time, in this age of COVID, as men and women of every stripe, of every folk and nation, respond to the invitation of the Lord with those same words, “Let it be with me according to your word,” and in such persons the Christ is born again as an expression of God’s love and mercy. And so this Christmas Eve we’ll be celebrating not just the solitary birth of a little Jewish boy baby, but the daily birthing that takes place in our own lives. And this is the true miracle of Christmas!

Thought for the Day: In what way am I a Christ-birther?

Luke 1:30-33

“The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” vss. 30-31

As Luke began to put together his account of the life of Jesus he discovered that people were curious about his origins. All agreed that he was a Jew but little was known about his heritage, except that he was from Nazareth. He had burst on the scene in what was for those times middle age. Of course there came to be a number of origin stories to choose from, and one of the most popular put the spotlight on Mary, and that’s the one that Luke used! And in time Mary became a significant figure in the life of the growing Church, and in some places a venerated and adored object of worship! All over the world we see churches erected in her honor and statues of her in almost every sanctuary. This is no accident! God cannot be limited to male descriptions and names–God is more inclusive than that, and humans had to find a way to give expression to God’s feminine side–and Mary fit the bill! Luke doesn’t describe her as having special powers–she’s an ordinary person, but she had found favor with God, and in her God became incarnate just as surely as in Jesus. Many have said that it’s in her that they have found their way to the tender heart of God, and in her they have experienced deep mercy and peace.

Thought for the Day: Why do some pray to Mary?

Luke 1:26-29

“And (the angel Gabriel) came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” vss. 28-29

The artists of the Renaissance were much taken by Luke’s account of the Annunciation and almost all of them painted one or more versions of the angelic appearance. Many show Mary in what the artists presume to be a perplexed state with a look of wonder on her face, pretty much not comprehending what is happening. In the context of Luke’s little story, of course, we would expect that Mary would be confused–angelic visitations didn’t happen every day in Nazareth! In fact most of us are even more perplexed than Mary–we just don’t know what to make of stories like this, and spend too much time wondering about whether they’re true. Those internal debates for the most part are pointless and destroy the richness of the text. When Luke tells us that messages from God are perplexing, he’s absolutely right. It is profoundly difficult to know what is from God and what is the product of our own desires and yearnings. Is the plan that is taking shape in our minds from our Creator or are we hearing the seductive voice of the Tempter? For a girl like Mary the future seemed cut and dried–she would live out her life as had thousands of young women before her. Could it really be that she was being singled out? And more to the point, what lies ahead for each of us?

Thought for the Day: What’s ahead for me?

Romans 16:25-27

“Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed…” vss. 25-26a

There are a lot of secrets floating around at this time of year. Gifts are being purchased, buyers hoping that their choices match the secret desires of those they love. Children are wondering what’s in the packages that are being wrapped and hidden away. As Paul wound up his letter to the Romans he mentions a big secret too, one that had now been revealed in the good news of Jesus Christ. He’s implying that the enigmas of the universe, the mysteries of life itself, are made clear in the incarnation of the Christ in the person of Jesus. Through the centuries many have agreed with Paul and have joyfully centered their lives in Jesus the Christ. Others are not so sure and have sought other answers to life’s perplexing questions, with some claiming that they have deciphered the code to enlightened living. It is true that mysteries remain for followers of Jesus–some even understand God as the Great Mystery–but Paul’s gospel continues to ring true. Focusing on Jesus seems to make the Mystery manageable and we find that the grace he embodies brings clarity and purpose. God’s love as revealed in him is one secret we’ll want to be sure to share come Christmas Eve. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

Thought for the Day: What is the secret of happiness?

Psalm 89:19-24

“Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance;” vs. 15

Only a week or so until Christmas–three candles are lit on our Advent wreaths and final plans are being made. For some the cancelling of family gatherings will accent the already present pandemic loneliness. Others will find it strange not to be able to sing carols in a crowded sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Nominal churchgoers are being robbed of one their two annual worship experiences. Still others are finding new ways to give expression to their faithfulness–no pandemic is going to rob them of their spiritual connections to the Christ. It really is wonderful to have a strong and abiding connection to the Divine Presence, one that is not dependent on externals and that remains a potent force in every circumstance. The psalmist tells us that such persons have happiness, a joy that comes from knowing the festal shout. He’s talking about those who have regular faith-sustaining rituals, perhaps like our daily lighting of the Advent candle and reading a meditation. Habitual worship is sometimes disparaged in our culture, and it’s true, we can serve God and not go to church. But there are incredible blessings that come from participating in liturgy and knowing the responses by heart. It’s those practices that keep us connected in times like this. We can sing our praises even when the sanctuaries are closed.

Thought for the Day: What liturgy do I know by heart?

Psalm 89:1-4

“I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.” vs 2

Tradition ascribes this psalm to Ethan the Ezrahite, and calls it a maskil, a didactic poem, one that is used as a teaching tool. Ethan’s intention is clear, he wants all of Israel to know that God is faithful and that David was God’s chosen one, the founder of a dynasty that would last forever. For centuries Ethan’s words were an inspiration to Israel, a source of hope even when the nation had fallen apart. As such they continue to nurture us, particularly when our world is so full of uncertainty. Today Ethan reminds us that God is no scam artist, here today and gone tomorrow, a fickle god who makes promises that are never kept.On the contrary Ethan says that God is the prime constant of the universe, and that steadfast love is God’s defining characteristic. That’s music to our ears in these darkened days before Christmas. So many are experiencing anxiety and depression, with seasonal dreariness being compounded by lack of social engagement. Our usual holiday plans have been disrupted and put at risk, and we long for assurance. Often in these moments our own faith can become pretty sketchy, and our spiritual weaknesses are multiplied. Ethan says that’s no big deal because God never loses heart, and God’s faithfulness never wavers. God never gives up on us!

Thought for the Day: How do I experience God’s faithfulness?

Don’t read the Desert Meditations you just received! It was preemptive!

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

“Nathan said to the king, ‘Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.’” vs. 3

King David, having defeated his enemies, has settled down in Jerusalem in a fine house. In thanksgiving he decides to build an even bigger house for the Lord and the palace prophet Nathan told him to do whatever he wanted. Later Nathan has a change of heart and tells his king the Lord really doesn’t need a house–never did, never will! In fact, he says, the Lord will make a house for David, one that will last forever. There’s a pretty obvious lesson in Nathan’s argument. For some reason a lot of folks put a lot of stock in the houses that they build or buy during their time on earth. The religious even pool their funds and build magnificent and beautiful churches, thinking perhaps that such edifices are pleasing to God. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact it’s quite a ridiculous notion, this idea we have of building a house for God. Everyone knows that God can’t be confined to a building. Equally foolish is the idea that our structures of brick and mortar will somehow be our legacy in this world. Those who build or buy big houses seldom live in them for very long. How much better it is to invest in people! When we spend ourselves nurturing and loving family and friends they become our legacy and our stewardship will have lasting value–and we will be a blessing for centuries, if not forever.

Thought for the Day: What will be my legacy?

John 1:19-28

“John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’” vss. 26-27

John was a person of some notoriety. King Herod knew who he was; the religious leaders in Jerusalem were aware of his ministry; he was attracting thousands of followers from all over Judea. Rumors about his identity were spreading even without social media. Some said he was the messiah, others, Elijah, and still others, that he was one of the prophets. But John himself said that he was none of these; he was a nobody. It was the one who stood among them, the one nobody knew who would turn the world rightside up! What a contrast John provides in our age of celebrity Christianity! By its nature Christianity has always provided fertile territory for charlatans and publicity-seeking preachers. We see these Elmer Gantry types all around, attracting thousands of seekers to their pop-inspired worship extravaganzas. They cozy up to politicians and live like rockstars, and wouldn’t think of embracing John’s humility. And yet the church continues to be a power in our world! Not because of its “stars,” but because of the unknowns who live cheek by jowl with the rest of us. It is in their humble presence that we see the Christ at work, bringing words of hope, forgiveness, joy, and love, even in times like this. 

Thought for the Day: What’s attractive about humility?

John 1:6-8

“He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” vs. 7

On the surface John’s mission seems strange! He was sent to testify to the light…but why would light need anyone to testify to it? Shouldn’t everyone just be able to see it and know that it was light? Light is self-evident–when it’s present everyone knows it, or so it would seem! But the Gospel is giving us a deeper message. Sometimes the light is not self-evident, and needs to be pointed out, and that’s the way it is with the Christ. When Jesus came to his own as the Light of the world they didn’t see the light–they only saw the carpenter’s son, someone they’d known all their lives. Jesus needed an identifier, someone who could say that he was the Lamb of God, and that was John’s job. That’s still how it is. Often Christ appears in darkness, and in the night of our lives, even as we’re suffering, we get a glimpse of Divine Love, and we are enlightened. Some live among the religious and don’t have a clue about the Christ, while others live among sinners and have regular encounters with the Light. Fortunately there are plenty of Johns in our world, people who will testify to the presence of the Christ, and maybe we can do that too. All it takes is a willing heart, and sharing a word of hope in hopeless times!

Thought for the Day: Who has been a John for me?