What's Your Hurry Mary?
A reading for Saturday, December 21, 2013: Luke 1:39-48
What's your hurry Mary? "In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country..." It's interesting that the writer of Luke's gospel account of this story would indicate that Mary was in a hurry to get to Elizabeth, her cousin, who was also with child. Why?
Perhaps she wanted to see if what the Angel had told her was in fact true? If I had been told such things, as a modern, scientific oriented person, I would want some proof. Wouldn't you?
Maybe she wondered if Elizabeth was scared, or excited, or even perplexed as she was, so she longed for a conversation with her cousin? She couldn't just dial her number or send her a text.
Or even, did she wonder how soon her own child would come and didn't want to miss the opportunity for travel. Again, in the ancient world travel was not as convenient and quick as it is for us.
We too are in a hurry this season. Our music minister posted this week his encouragement to enjoy "peace on earth" and not simply "chaos in church." It's a worthy check for all of us involved in planning worship and special services for Christmas.
What's our hurry? Are we searching for proof that Christmas will bring something special for us again? Are we hoping for a conversation with someone we haven't seen in a while, or maybe even our own family members who we don't spend enough time with? Or maybe, like Mary, we just don't want to miss the opportunity to celebrate with those we love the amazing gift of life that is Jesus Christ?
In the end, Mary is overwhelmed by God's grace and begins to sing with Elizabeth of the glory and grace of our God. It's called Mary's Song. In the midst of your hurry today to get it all done, take some time and simply sing with Mary to the glory of our God!
"Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” (Luke 1:48b-56)
What's your hurry Mary? "In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country..." It's interesting that the writer of Luke's gospel account of this story would indicate that Mary was in a hurry to get to Elizabeth, her cousin, who was also with child. Why?
Perhaps she wanted to see if what the Angel had told her was in fact true? If I had been told such things, as a modern, scientific oriented person, I would want some proof. Wouldn't you?
Maybe she wondered if Elizabeth was scared, or excited, or even perplexed as she was, so she longed for a conversation with her cousin? She couldn't just dial her number or send her a text.
Or even, did she wonder how soon her own child would come and didn't want to miss the opportunity for travel. Again, in the ancient world travel was not as convenient and quick as it is for us.
We too are in a hurry this season. Our music minister posted this week his encouragement to enjoy "peace on earth" and not simply "chaos in church." It's a worthy check for all of us involved in planning worship and special services for Christmas.
What's our hurry? Are we searching for proof that Christmas will bring something special for us again? Are we hoping for a conversation with someone we haven't seen in a while, or maybe even our own family members who we don't spend enough time with? Or maybe, like Mary, we just don't want to miss the opportunity to celebrate with those we love the amazing gift of life that is Jesus Christ?
In the end, Mary is overwhelmed by God's grace and begins to sing with Elizabeth of the glory and grace of our God. It's called Mary's Song. In the midst of your hurry today to get it all done, take some time and simply sing with Mary to the glory of our God!
"Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” (Luke 1:48b-56)
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