Preached at St. John’s Lancaster 23 December, 2012
Luke 1:39-55
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| Mary's Visit with Elizabeth |
In his First Letter to the Corinthian Christians, St. Paul says, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (I Cor. 10:11) In essence, he tells us that the events and occurrences we read about in the Bible are given as examples to teach us how we ought to live. And that brings us to these last days before Christmas. How are you spending them? Are you so busy that the spirit of the season has seemingly departed from you? Is the busyness and the rush of getting ready for this visit or that party robbing you of joy and of the milk of human kindness? Are you dreading the long hours and pressures of making sure that the family party is just right? Are you so focusing on who is not there this year that you have rendered yourself incapable of appreciating those with whom you will share the holy day?
Into the midst of our seasonal distractions and responsibilities, God sends this wonderful example of Saint Mary the Mother of Our Lord and her visit to Blessed Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Forerunner, who would one day announce to all the world, “Behold the Lamb of God! Behold him who takes away the sin of the world.” When the very pregnant Elizabeth heard the very pregnant Mary’s greeting, baby John leaped in her womb for joy in the presence of his cousin and his Lord. The Holy Ghost fell upon Elizabeth and she, like Deborah of old, prophesied. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Mary was overcome by the presence of God and responded with those words we know so well: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour…” It was a time for rejoicing. Even with so much to do.
It is still a time for rejoicing. Yes, there are details to be worked out: hams and turkeys to be cooked, pies and breads to bake, and tables to set. And don’t forget presents to wrap. But we are called today to emulate the example of these two holy women, who in the midst of their duties found time to listen to the Holy Spirit and rejoice that the Saviour was come into the world. Consider what this great blessing of the first Christmas means in our lives:
1. God’s mercy is poured out on all who fear him forever!
2. He has exalted those who are powerless and victimized, and overthrown the plots of the treacherous and the arrogant.
3. He has turned the tables on the selfish and proclaimed equity for all.
4. He has fulfilled the promises of the covenant he made to his people, and through them to all people.
Let me make a few suggestions today. Sit back today and enjoy this Church service. Appreciate the beautiful decorations and the music. Confess your faith in the Creed with an ever deepening appreciation for him who came to save us. Bring him your prayers with a real expectancy that Jesus is still in the miracle business, and determine to see the evidence of his working in your life and in the lives of those you love. When you confess your sins and shortcomings of this past week, believe with all your heart that they really are forgiven and forgotten by God, and that he wishes you to have a new start, free from guilt and shame and discouragement. When you share the peace with those around you, wish them the very best of God’s blessings from the bottom of your heart without reservation, whether they deserve it or not, and if you have wronged anyone here present, go to them and make amends before you approach the altar of God together as siblings and spiritual friends. Give of your wealth in the offering for the support of God’s work and the relief of suffering, and let your gift be a token of your willingness to give yourself to God and to his work in every way you can. Then come forward and receive God’s grace by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Holy and Blessed Trinity, God himself. As your teeth press the bread and as the warmth of the wine spreads through your body, know that you are filled with the Spirit of the Living God, and endowed with his love and his gifts to bring hope and purpose to everyone you meet. Then go forth to share the love of God with all those for whom Jesus came into the world.
In short, join me and so engage God this day, in this service, that all of us might rise above the distractions which surround us and say with Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor upon me.”
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. AMEN.
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