Luke 1:39-55Some years it seems as if the lectionary lessons for Advent go well out of their way to make sure that we spend much time in preparation and in longing for the way the Kingdom of God will break forth in the light at the darkest part of the year. So finally on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we read for the first time about the two baby boys, the two protagonists of the story: John and Jesus. Even in today’s readings, however, we do not hear their names from reading the lesson although we hear them in our minds because we know the story so well.
It is almost however poetic justice that the story begins with these two women experiencing extremely extraordinary beginnings to their families. The story of Jesus' life is told in such a manner that it has bookends at the beginning and the end that are remarkably unique. These bookends,
the narrators, and witnesses to the stories happen in both cases to be women. Mary and Elizabeth at the beginning of Jesus’ life and Mary and the other women at the empty tomb. Were it not for the story of the women the miraculous events of birth and life might have gone untold.
Luke is the only gospel that shares this story of Mary and Elizabeth. Evidently, Mary is one of those people who once she is convinced and believes she acts on that conviction and belief. As soon as the angle leaves she decides to do something about what she has heard. She goes to see Elizabeth for herself to verify that pregnancy and to share her own. She also goes for the fellowship and companionship of being with someone else who is experiencing the extraordinary. She goes to share the wonder and fear of the news with another person.
One commentator says that “the visitation is the first gathering of the community of Jesus. It invites us to recall how much we need each other, to draw fresh courage from each other, and to celebrate all that we share as bearers of the promise together.” 1
And he goes on to explain that their relationship and their experience provide an example of just how subversive the church can be. They are an odd pair, one old enough to be past child-bearing age and one young enough to not yet be married and both impossibly pregnant. Noticeably absent —? — the men in their lives. They both have men but in Luke at least the guys are never in the conversation about this situation.
It makes sense when you hear how Mary and Elizabeth understand their situation. They believe that they are part of fulfilling the prophecy of God. And together they have a power that the world will never grant them. They know more than they should know. And Mary’s words paint that picture:
. . . The powerful will be brought down and the lowly lifted up
. . . . God will choose who God will choose
. . . . Justice and mercy will prevail.
“The longing of Advent is rooted in the obscene contrast between the way things are in the world and the way God would have them be.” 2
Mary seems to understand this, as does Elizabeth. Their understanding of their role in the salvation history of God becomes clear in these verses. The expectation is not just for the birth of a child: the expectation is that God is about to do a new thing. God is about to upend the rich, the comfortable, the people who enforce unjust laws and practices.
There is a song with a strong Irish/Celtic beat called “Canticle of the Turning” that takes these words from the Magnificat, Mary’s poetic declaration in Luke.
From the halls of power to the fortress tower
Not a stone will be left on stone
Let the king beware for your
Justice tears ev'ry tyrant from his throne
The hungry poor shall weep no more
For the food, they can never earn
There are tables spread, ev'ry
Mouth be fed
For the world is about to turn
My heart shall sing of the day you bring
Let the fires of your justice burn
Wipe away all tears For the dawn draws near
And the world is about to turn! 3
Mary and Elizabeth knew that what was beginning in them was the very seed of a new beginning through the gift of God in Jesus. They sensed in their hearts the role they would play in keeping alive the promises of the prophet.
We once again move from the stories of Advent into the story of Christmas, a world-changing event in the middle of a dark night more than 2000 years ago. The birth of a child almost always upends life for at least a brief period of time. This year, our world is sorely in need of being upended once again. With Mary and Elizabeth may we move quickly toward community with one another and prepare the world for the change that is coming.
Let us pray:
God, It will happen if only we believe.
It will happen only if we join together.
It will happen because you will hear us call to you, Come Lord Jesus.
Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus. Once again, we need you beside us, within us, to guide us in all our ways. Come, Lord Jesus. Today and always.
Amen.
1 Paul Simpson Duke (Connections, Year C Vol 1)
2 E. Elizabeth Johnson (Connections: Year C vol 1)
3 “Canticle for the Turning” Rory Cooney, Theresa Donohoo, Gary Daigle
Sunday morning parking at the church is available in the high school parking lot on Third Street across from the church and in the city lots west of the church. These lots are available only on Sunday mornings. A small lot for handicapped parking is available just off of Adams Street on the north side of the church, with an accessible entrance directly into the sanctuary. A lift operates between the Fellowship Hall (3rd Street level) and the Sanctuary. William Sound System Receivers and Headsets are available to assist with hearing problems.
The First United Methodist Church of Moscow, Idaho takes as our mission to be the body of Jesus Christ, ministering to a community which draws strength from its diversity. Our mission centers on the worship of God, expressed through varied forms of prayer, preaching, music, and ritual. See more...