2008-12-21 Advent 4

“Have a Mary Christmas” Luke 1:38 Advent 4—Dec. 21, 2008 And Mary said, ‘Behold, the bondservant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” In the Name of Jesus. Amen. “Have a Merry Christmas”. What used to be a safe and cheerful way of wishing someone “season’s greetings” has now become the latest victim of politically incorrect speech. For the sake of increased sales some stores have censored their employees and eliminated this kind of language from their advertising. Christians have responded in kind by being more vocal, even to the point of paying for billboard placards that contain the phrase claiming that Jesus said it Himself. Of course this is not correct, seeing that Christians didn’t celebrate the mass of Christ’s birth for quite some time following His resurrection. Nonetheless “Merry Christmas” is a very important Christmas message that contains great meaning for Christians. Especially when we change the spelling—to make it read M-A-R-Y Christmas. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not suggesting we worship or pray to Mary —but that we do remember and even revere her for the role she played in the birth of our savior. After all, she was chosen by God to be the mother of our Lord. Furthermore, we would do well to consider her faithful response at the unexpected news that she received from the angel; “Greetings O favored one, the Lord is with you. Fear not, Mary for you have found favor with

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God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will call His name Jesus!” Though translated in such a way that it gives the impression that Mary did something to “find favor” with God—the actual meaning is that she had been graced by God, chosen by Him to provide the means by which God would make His entrance into the world. She knew that she had not done something to deserve God’s grace, and that is why she is filled with awe and humility. Behold the Bondservant of the Lord. It was not only the conditions surrounding her delivery that would be humble, but also those found within her heart and soul. For God to humble himself and be born of a woman, He chose a woman who exemplified those same qualities; A faithful child of God who emptied herself in order to be filled with God’s Holy Child. What was true for Mary is true for us as well. To be filled with the gift of God in Christ Jesus we need to be emptied of ourselves. This is the real meaning of Christmas, isn’t it? Not how much we get or give—but rather to what extent we give up our sinful wants and desires in order that Christ can give us His gifts. The gift of His Word, delivered not by the spirit of Christmas past, present, or future, but by the Holy Spirit. The Word which truly does bring Good News to all people— that a savior has not only been born in Bethlehem, but that the savior has died in Jerusalem and in so doing has forgiven us our sins and given us the gift of eternal life. It is this gift of God in Christ Jesus, found not UNDER a tree but dying on a tree. It is a gift that results in rejoicing. That’s what Mary does. Listen again to how the first Christmas carol composed and sung by Mary, which we know as the Magnificat, describes it:

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My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his handmaiden, and behold from now on all generations shall call me blessed. Mary is rejoicing at this Good News given in Christ Jesus. Perhaps you are thinking, “That’s easy for her. She was, after all, the mother of God. She didn’t have all the things to worry about, all the problems, that I have.” Consider carefully what she was facing. She was engaged to Joseph, which was considered to be binding—but it was not yet marriage. So the woman was expected to be a virgin until her wedding day. In spite of different standards promoted in our society today, that should still be an expectation of parents and an aspiration for young women today. At that time a young woman who was found to be pregnant out of wedlock was likely to be killed by stoning, or at the very least suffer a life of public humility. She would be like Hesther Prinn in the Scarlett letter. That is what St. Matthew means when he says that Joseph was a righteous man and did not want to put her to shame. How would Mary tell her fiancée Joseph, and her parents? How would she provide for this child—herself little more than a child? Where would she live, what would happen to her? Don’t ever imagine that Mary didn’t have problems. Yet she is found rejoicing, hymning God not in spite of her condition, but because of it! And so can we! Yes, dear friends, we have problems. We have problems in life, we have worries in this world, we have setbacks and sorrows and sickness and suffering. Just this past week Ft. Collins was again rocked by the unfortunate death of a young girl. How many more there are like her—people of all ages who feel trapped by heartache or helplessness. But these are not reasons to lose heart, to give up, or to think that God has forgotten us. Just the opposite. These are the very conditions 3

that Christ was sent to correct. Not in an earthly way, but in a heavenly one. In the savior Jesus Christ God looks on the humble and hurtful circumstances of his servants, and He lifts us up. He lifts us up by burying us in baptism and raising us to new life in Him. In His Word He daily encourages us and reminds us that He has overcome the world, and the life we now live we live in Him! That no matter how dark life might seem, the light of His resurrection is shining eternally. All of this provides reason to rejoice—like Mary. And also to follow her example by trusting completely in God’s Word. Let it be done to me according to your word. That is what Mary said when she received this unexpected news. When was the last time you said that—or something similar? When was the last time you faced an unexpected challenge, and instead of scrambling to find resources to resolve the situation, simply sat back and prayed—and put your trust in God’s Word. The doctor says, “I’m sorry to tell you that you have a spot on your liver”. Let it be done to me according to your word. Your boss says, “With the economy like it is, we might have to lay you off.” Let it be done to me according to your word. Your parent says, “Times are tight right now, so you won’t be getting a lot of presents this year.” Let it be done to me according to your word. Or, in a more positive sense, Your parents say “This next year we’re going to turn off the television and spend more time as a family reading, talking, and praying.” Let it be done to me according to your word. Your boss says “You are getting a promotion and a pay raise.” Let it be done to me according to your word.” 4

Or your doctor says “That queasy feeling you’ve been experiencing is because you’re expecting a baby.” That’s GOOD NEWS—so don’t think “How will we afford it?” Or “I’m too old.” Or “I’m too young”. But instead join your voice to that of Mary, in this or any circumstance and say “Let it be done to me according to your Word. And you will have a very Mary Christmas—and others will call you blessed. Amen.

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