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Mary
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Second Week of Advent
Luke 1:26
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin … and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And so the waiting begins for this young girl named Mary. This girl named after Miriam, the sister who cared for her baby brother Moses. Perhaps Miriam’s name was originally Egyptian, coming perhaps from mry “beloved” or mr “love.”
Mankind might have felt betrayed by the first woman, since she was the first one tempted in Genesis. But the horrific story of the serpent whispering in the garden ends with “she became the mother of all the living.” God’s words to the man, woman and serpent did not change that.
(Perhaps your name is Mary. My sister’s name is Mary. My aunt’s name was Mary. Both wonderful women. Some of my best friends are named Mary. On the other hand, Bloody Mary was an English queen who was not so wonderful; she kept shouting “Off with their heads!” A tasty tomatoey drink is named after her.)
Surely Mary was surprised by the angel’s appearance and even more so by the angel’s announcement. In the end she simply said, “May it be done to me according to your word.” She accepted what she heard. “Generations will call you blessed.” Her humility and obedience have always inspired us.
So I sit quietly at the feet of the picture repainted without end for centuries: Mary holding baby Jesus. So often I am more like Eve, more like Adam, than Mary and the baby Jesus. I listen more easily to temptations than to the angel. I blame others and avoid responsibility when I could just say, “May it be done to me according to your word.”
Obedience begins with listening. (Even the Latin root “obedire” means to listen) It continues with waiting. There is no hurry in Advent, the baby will come at its appointed time.
All of these moments, while we wait, are appointed and full. Enjoy them all.
In your love, Lord, you have adopted us through Jesus. You grant us the favor of your will and the glory of your grace. So we remember your kindness and sing to you a new song. O come, o come.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1404
