We rejoice, for the Light of the World has come to darkness. Jesus Christ is the Light that no darkness can overcome. Advent is a season of preparation as God’s people watch and wait for Christ. We will be pondering the songs found in the gospel of Luke. The song of an old priest named Zechariah. Mary, the pregnant teenager. And angels come to shepherds in the countryside. We ponder these songs and rejoice.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The light no darkness can overcome.
Jesus, open our eyes to your light and our ears to your words of hope. Come, O long-expected Jesus. Our hope is in you. Amen.
Word: Luke 1:38
And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
Meditation: Who Me?!
Today’s meditation is written by Anne Wolff
Society has long associated popularity and power with success. From sports teams to celebrities, the greater the following, the greater the expectation to do big things, and the greater the power among crowds of fans. Even social media influencers are climbing the ranks as they find online fame in the form of likes and shares.
But in Mary’s song, we quickly see that being consumed with the path to popularity and power leads to a dead end. In fact, it’s quite the opposite who God magnifies and where we find lasting success.
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” (Luke 1:52) God loves the unqualified. The unpopular. The underdog. When the angel came to Mary to tell her she was highly favored, would be with child, and would give birth to Jesus, she’s likely thinking, “who me?!” She’s young, a virgin, poor, and considered a nobody. Certainly not popular or powerful.
We often find ourselves saying “who me?!” as we’re called to lead in ways we don’t feel equipped to handle. When the protests in Minneapolis broke out in the summer of 2020, I struggled to find the right thing to say or do. Who me?! Though I live less than a couple hours away, there are others who better understand, who are better connected, and who can better help. Opportunities arise for us to stand in our faith. Who me?! It’s easier to direct them to a pastor; they’re better suited to share the right words. But Mary doesn’t say, “who me?!” It’s more of a “yes me!”, as she responds to the angel, “ I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Instead of staying silent during uncertain times, send a note to a friend in the thick of it and ask for ways to help. Rather than redirect an opportunity to witness, share the good news of Jesus over a cup of coffee.
We don’t need to be the most popular, powerful, filled with the perfect words, or have a list of esteemed qualifications to succeed with God. He knows us well – and chooses us anyway. We’re the underdogs, the unqualified, an unlikely cast of characters, who know nothing is impossible with God.
God, you dethrone those in power and uplift the insignificant to do great things. Help us seek humility, not glory. Though we’re meek, give us the strength to say “yes me!” Amen.
Prayer for Daily Callings
· For my occupation, workplace, coworkers.
· For my work to be good for others, an extension of God’s love and care.
· For the unemployed.
· For growth in my career; not to work for a paycheck but for you and others.
· For discernment, if I should pursue another job or direction in life.
· For my callings at home as spouse, son/daughter, brother/sister.
· For schools, teachers, classmates.
· For eyes to see God’s work around me this day. For the courage to participate in it.
· Not to be comfortable in my callings, but to be useful.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we live in a world full of tension. In your son you hold all tensions in perfect balance, justice and mercy, agony and ecstasy, law and Gospel. Create in me deeper faith in you in the midst of tension. Amen!