So Sunday we finally make the big move from the Old Testament into the New. The promise continues to unfold, but in a most unusual way, though the birth of a child born of a virgin.
For those of us who grew up soaked in the Christmas story this might not seem so unusual, but it is. So I would love any input; any thoughts ideas or struggles you have with this story. You can leave them as comments here or on my facebook page or twitter.
Just a couple things to prime the pump.
- When the angel Gabriel comes and says to Mary, “‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’” Mary’s response was ”But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” I have always loved that part, “she was much perplexed” What do you make out of she was much perplexed?
- After the announcement and the play was laid out before her, she asks “how can this be?” Have you ever asked that question of God? Why? And what was the outcome of your story?
- Mary goes to visit her relative Elizabeth, and after a joyful and faith filled reception, Mary kicks into the Magnificat. What do her words mean to you? What does it mean for one’s soul to magnify the Lord? How does it work for one to move from “Perplexed” to feeling blessed?
- Finally, what does this story have to say to us today? Do we find events where we are “much perplexed?” How does the promise that “nothing will be impossible with God” fill you with hope, or leave you with questions?
There is a bunch there, but those are things that came to mind as I start to work on Sunday’s sermon. If you have any thoughts I would love to hear them!
Becoming What We Already Are... 