May God’s blessings be on you on the last Sunday of Advent. Our celebration in Chuckatuck was a bit breezy and damp (more like – wet) as the (much needed) rain has fallen overnight. It was a special celebration, the beginning of my 12th year at St. John’s and the 4th journey through the lectionary. We had a bit of a subdued greening of the church today – while we are festive and expectant the celebration remains subdued – and that is okay. Our prayers are with those who are missing family and friends as the longest night approaches and the coming Christmas celebration.
In worship today we celebrated the last Sunday of Advent with great expectation. We are reminded that God comes to us each day in the person of Jesus to help us be ready for God’s return. That God has created a mansion in us and for us to dwell for all eternity, with loved ones and with God. Our reading from Hebrew Scripture and the prophet Micah provides encouragement for Bethlehem, the least of society, and those who others hold in contempt because they aren’t the greatest. Micah reminds us that even the smallest is part of God’s flock and never outside God’s love. Our epistle today was from the letter to the Hebrews and recapped the purpose of Jesus coming to earth – to do God’s will and to show us what is needed for salvation – not burnt offerings but a faithful relationship with God. Our gospel reading (and the response to Hebrew scripture) was from Luke’s story of Mary and Elizabeth. In this story we hear Elizabeth recognize the true nature of Jesus, waiting to be borne by Mary. Mary’s response is to acknowledge God’s greatness and how God worked, is working, and will work in the lives of those who are in relationship with God.
Our sermon highlighted the relationship and how things being “turned on their head” were in God’s plan. Our salvation is born, not in our power or might, but in our faithfulness to God’s mission and rewarded when we ask for a clearer image of God’s plan.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Micah 5:2-5a; Canticle 15 (Luke 1:46-55); Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/6WqCSn-GpPo
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