Stroll through Scripture for December 22, 2024

Based on Luke 1:26-56

The selected reading for this coming Sunday can be broken into three distinct segments.  The first is the birth of Jesus foretold. It’s the familiar story about the angel Gabriel visiting Mary and telling her – Surprise! You’re going to be a mom.  Not just any mother, but you’ll carry the Son of God to term.   

There’s a whole lot going on here.  First it is important to note that it is implied that Mary could have said “No Thanks!”  But she didn’t.  She cooperated with God’s plan, as crazy as it sounded.  Second, while the story is about Gabriel and Mary, it’s just as much about Jesus.  There’s a whole slew of titles named that are associated with Jesus.  Third, just let the situation sink in – God, who is all powerful comes to an unwed poor teen girl to accomplish God’s plan.  Not someone with means or wealth or power.  God isn’t interested those things and sees those as being an obstacle to God’s plan.  There’s so much the world could learn from this.  

In the second section, we hear about Mary visiting Elizabeth, where John the Baptist leapt in his mother’s womb.  The Spirit fills Elizabeth, and she declares Mary blessed.  This is a happy family reunion.  There is blessing, the Spirit is active, and there is joy.  Even before Jesus is born, Good News is being felt in real ways.  

The last section is Mary’s Magnificat.  It’s an optional portion, but an important portion.  Last week, the Narrative Lectionary had the beginning of Isaiah 61.  When you read it and take in what God is saying through the prophet you can feel how God is flipping the world right-side up.  These aren’t just nice words for us to read and move on from – These are transformational blueprints for what God is up to in the world.  The same could be said of Mary’s Magnificat. 

Remember, this is an unwed poor teen talking.  The language is important – Most of the song is in the past tense.  Remember, Mary is still pregnant here – Jesus hasn’t been born yet, let alone had any public ministry.  As far as Mary is concerned it’s already happened.  The Kingdom of God is already unfolding and in our midst.  We’re already experiencing what moving creation towards a right relationship means.  This isn’t metaphor or just nice thoughts.  This is transformation in our midst.  Mary isn’t offering comfort to the comfortable.  To answer the question to the popular Christmas song “Mary, did you know?” – yes, she knew.  Just read the Magnificat.  

Questions for further reflection:

• We read the words, “For nothing is impossible with God.”  Do we believe it?  What would seem impossible today, but has clear signs of God acting?
• When Mary visits Elizabeth, John the Baptist leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb.  When God shows up, how do we react?
• The Magnificat, if it were acted out, would flip society over.  Imagine what changes would take place.