Week Four: Here am I, the servant of the Lord. (Luke 1: 26-38)
Every Christmas is a reminder that we are called to mid wife God into our world. It is a time when we echo the words of Mary, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” It is a season when we bring light into darkness, joy where there is sadness, hope to those who despair, peace where there is unrest and love to those who feel alone and isolated.
Many might say, “But how can this be? How can I do this?” This seems beyond me. I am so insignificant and of little means. Fear and doubt cloud our minds. Mary had all these feelings. She was overcome by fear. She doubted the credibility of the angel’s message. She worried about societal misgivings. Yet, reassured by God, Mary said Yes! She let love overcome fear.
Madeleine L’Engle, expresses this in her poem After Annunciation
This is the irrational season
when love blooms bright and wild.
Had Mary been filled with reason
there’d have been no room for the child.
This Christmas may your love bloom bright and wild, may your love conquer fear, may you mid-wife God into our expectant world, and may you proclaim to all around you:
Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy…
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light…
For the people who sat in the shadow of death a light has dawned…
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace…
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us…
He is Christ the Lord.
We wish you a very happy Christmas and every blessing for the New Year, 2018
LISTEN: Oh Holy Night – featuring Maile, Seumanu, Haretuku, Lealaitafea, and Matt Nickle
REFLECT: Imaginative Prayer Exercise and/or Making Space for Tenderness
CONSIDER: Join Trócaire Christmas campaign “Until Love Conquers Fear”
