Pastoral Ponderings - December 11, 2025

Mary’s words from the Magnificat, Luke 1:51-53:

You have shown strength with your arm;

you have scattered the proud in their conceit;

you have deposed the mighty from their thrones

and raised the lowly to high places.

You have filled the hungry with good things,

while you have sent the rich away empty.

There is a fascinating scene unfolding on the front lawns of some churches in the US where ICE is currently active.  The traditional nativity scenes are being modified.  In some cases Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus are absent and replaced by a note stating that they are hiding from ICE.  In other scenes Mary and Joseph are absent, and baby Jesus in a manger has a zip tie around his small wrists.  The message is clear, the US is no longer safe for non-white immigrant and refugee families. It is a prophetic message being delivered in the midst of the Advent/Christmas season.  And it is a strong symbolic challenge to the thrones of the mighty.  In an age when the Christian Church is often seen as being connected at the hip with conservative political power, it makes me feel proud to be a Christian when I see the spirit of the Magnificat being brought to life in a profound, prophetic way.

On another note, this Sunday we will light the Advent Candle of Joy.  Our worship will burst in joy as we recreate the Christmas story with a Pop-Up Christmas Pageant.  Come early to get your costume, whether it be as an angel, a shepherd, a wise one, a sheep, or simply one of the Bethlehem locals.  And be prepared for an explosion of joy as we celebrate together. I hope to see you Sunday.

Dale