Advent 2020 (day 22 of 26)

December 20, 2020

 

Advent 2020 (day 22 of 26)… fourth Sunday of Advent

 

     The story of Jesus’ birth required the cooperation of many brave people. Between now and Christmas, I want to look at those brave people, what was required of them, and how they responded.

 

     Let’s start with Mary. “When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.” [Luke 1:26 – 27 CEB] The angel Gabriel figures prominently in the Christmas story, announcing the impending births of John the Baptist and Jesus.

 

     Mary’s immediate response to Gabriel’s greeting was, “She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” [Luke 1:29 CEB] Imagine an angel showing up and telling you that you were favored by God and that God was with you. What does this mean? There must have been a tinge of fear in Mary’s response because Gabriel begins the announcement, “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” [Luke 1:30 ESV]

 

     Now comes the challenge to Mary’s faith and obedience, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” [Luke 1:31 ESV] The child is identified, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David.” [Luke 1:32 ESV] This presents two problems for Mary.

 

     The first question is, “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” [Luke 1:34 ESV] Nazareth was a very small town. In small towns people talk. Mary’s reputation was at stake, possibly her life was in danger. How could something like this be possible? The second problem Mary may not have been completely aware of, is this paints a target on her. Satan would be doing anything possible to strangle God’s plan, as he had throughout history. (That will have to be traced in another study.)

 

     Gabriel answers, “The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” [Luke 1:35 NLT] The “virgin birth” was to be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. Not having an earthly father would make Jesus holy in nature and “called” the Son of God.

 

     Our limited struggle to understand the “trinity” at this point has some explanation. Since Jesus did not have an earthly beginning like every other human has had, He would be “called” the Son of God. God entered the world in a way we could understand as the “Son.” The theological word is “incarnation.”

 

     Mary has two reactions. The first is audacious and the second is amazing. She is fearless in obedience, “Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her.” [Luke 1:38 CEB] While her initial response was a mix of fear and confusion, she sets an amazing precedent with praise, “Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” [Luke 1:46 – 47 NLT]

 

     While it is stunning to think of the miracle of the virgin birth, Mary’s courage in immense. While facing disgrace and possibly death, she embraces her role in God’s plan. While facing disgrace and possibly death, she praises God.

 

     If Mary was willing to praise God under tremendous stress, what is your excuse? Yes, this covid Christmas is sideways. We need to get our heads out of a dark place and learn to praise God, despite the chaos, confusion, and convulsions of this year.