Advent 2: Joyful Preparation

Mary meets Elizabeth- Luke 1- (Photo Credit: The Nativity Story, Newline, 2006)

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Luke 1:42-45

The Christmas story is fraught with scandal and danger, yet the narrative is full of anticipation, joy and celebration. Family is an important part of our modern Christmas celebration, and family played an essential part in the nativity of Christ. Mary was in an unfortunate social situation, being pregnant before marriage. She sought the companionship of her relative, Elizabeth, who was also waiting in joyful expectation for the birth of her son, John. Luke records "The Song of Mary" which was an ancient Christian hymn based on the hymnology of pre-Christian Jewish worship. The Magnificat mirrors Hannah's Song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, as well as the words of Psalm 113. 

And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed,

 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name.

And His mercy is on those who fear Him

From generation to generation..."

Pregnancy is a time of waiting, preparation, and anticipation of the arrival of a child who represents future generations of the family. Sadly, not every child has the good fortune of being welcomed to the world with joy. Mary, in spite of difficult circumstances, looked to the future with faith and optimism, pondering and keeping in her heart the things she observed. 

Two of my favourite characters in the nativity story are Simeon and Anna who spent their lives in prayerful preparation as they waited for the promised Messiah. 

Latimore, Kelly. La presentación de Cristo en el templo, Art in the Christian Tradition, Vanderbilt U.

I love this Hispanic portrayal of Jesus' presentation at the temple. with Anna and Simeon joyfully bestowing their blessings on the baby when he was 40 days old. 

Christmas is a stressful time for some, with too many financial and social obligations, perhaps from efforts to create a perfect holiday. For others, it is a lonely time where accumulated losses bring feelings of grief rather than joy. I feel that we are increasingly robbed of joy these days as we are exposed to so much negativity in the media as well as the pressures of busy schedules. I remember the joyful anticipation of this season when I was a child, and see the wonder and happiness of Christmas on the faces of our grandchildren. With Christ as the focus, may we find the child-like faith that brings joy in our present circumstances, whether good or bad. 

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; 

may those who long for your saving help always say, 

“The LORD is great!” 

Psalm 70:4