Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dwelling in the Word, listening, being in conversation with God,
being known, receiving guidance.
Lord Jesus Christ,
You see how bent over we are
Under the weight of the world’s habits.
Unburden us
Clear the path within our soul
Lift up our heads to see you
Our hearts to love you
And welcome your coming.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
This week we encounter
a young woman
who lives in the village of Nazareth
and who is engaged to a carpenter.
He is not wealthy or well known, but
he is a good man.
She is preparing for the wedding -
and is engaged in hopes for home,
family,
security . . .
until the angel Gabriel knocks at her door.
“Peace be with you!” the angel announces.
‘What is God’s peace like,’
she wonders.
and
“Why is my heart pounding so?’
“The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you.
Don’t be afraid!
You will conceive and bear a son, and
You shall call his name Jesus.”
In this way the angel Gabriel delivers the Birth Announcement.
‘Jesus? Conceive? In me? How?’
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you.”
And Mary says:
“Yes, I am the Lord’s servant; let it be with me
according to you word.”
Then Gabriel leaves.
*******
Mary’s engagement to Joseph and her hopes
are now at risk
as she journeys into the hills of Judah,
to calm the pounding of her heart
in the house of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, also with child,
Welcomes Mary, newly with child.
Elizabeth opens wide the doors of welcome as she
carries and speaks the words of blessing
and affirmation which Mary needs to hear.
Both women erupt into praise and thanksgiving -
the house rings with Spirit given psalmody.
God is on the move!
John will announce the new thing!
Jesus is coming!
When we say, “Yes, Lord; I am your servant,”
Our lives will never be the same again.
For Jesus will be born in us,
his Spirit will overshadow us,
and we will give birth to God’s Kingdom
in the stable of this world.
You come to us
In the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Help me to be present to you -
To be with you,
To listen –
With the ears of my heart.
Continue to free me from the stuff of this world which holds me captive.
Lead me in your Way of life.
Amen
Season of Advent: week 3
- 12/14 Monday: Luke 1:26-38
- 12/15 Tuesday: Luke 1:39-45
- 12/16 Wednesday: Luke 2:46b-55
- 12/17 Thursday: Micah 5:2-5a
- 12/18 Friday: Hebrews 10:5-10
- 12/19 Saturday: Luke 1:26-38
- 12/20 Sunday: Luke 1:39-45
Silent Reflection:
Offer the prayer of your heart.