Text: Luke 1:39-56 (Mary’s song) What flows from the silence and prayer of Advent? Judging from the song that Mary sings in today’s reading, we could be forgiven for answering “revolution” instead of “Christmas!” Mary is often portrayed as being meek and obedient. But she doesn’t pull any punches when she sings in joy after … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 1:26-56 (the miraculous conception of Jesus) “You have deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places.” Every December, we hear these words of Mary as she prepares to give birth to Jesus. Her words connect Christmas not just to birth and light, but also to hopes that justice … [Read more…]
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11, 16-18 (“Pray without ceasing”) Every Advent, the following debate surfaces: is Christmas secular or religious? Today, we are in the middle of Advent, a season that includes the four Sundays before Christmas. And while the retail and entertainment industries try to conflate Advent and Christmas, they are two distinct seasons. Advent … [Read more…]
Text: Mark 13 (“the Little Apocalypse”) One of our highest spiritual goals is to wake up. This is a theme found in today’s apocalyptic reading. Jesus tells his friends to stay awake to the possibility of disaster, judgement, and salvation. Keep watch! Stay alert! Stay awake! says Jesus. OK. But what will help us accomplish … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 1:57-80 (the birth of John the Baptist) Advent is a journey towards Christmas with its promises of love and abundance. Our souls long for the family gatherings, food, and beautiful winter vistas of an ideal Christmas. But the journey itself has its own joyous rewards. Christmas and Advent are about comfort and joy. … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 1:26-56 (the miraculous conception of Jesus) Churches like Mill Woods United spend a lot of time disseminating news. We maintain a website and a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. We send out a weekly e-newsletter called “What’s the Buzz.” We produce the Morning Messenger news bulletin every week. … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 1:5-25 (the miraculous conception of John the Baptist) What does the biblical expression “Here I am” signify? Several key figures in the Hebrew Scriptures repeat it. Abraham says “Here I am” in Genesis when YHWH orders him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Jacob says “Here I am” when an angel calls to him … [Read more…]