Advent Journey: December 21st
© Michael Livesay-Wright
Questions and Reflections
QUESTION: How did Mary respond to the angel's words?
First it's important to note that (a) this probably seemed like a huge, outlandish promise and (b) this promise could completely ruin Mary's life. Prophets and teachers has spoken of a coming Messiah for generations. For an angel to tell this teenage girl that she would be a part of bringing the Son of God into the world at last would have sounded completely crazy. It was highly likely that no one would believe Mary if she tried to tell them what the angel had said. And then there is the possible ramifications of Mary. She was engaged to be married to Joseph. But if he finds out that she is pregnant with a child before they are married, a child that is not his, he is likely to be very upset and refuse to marry her. Worst still, if she is reported to the authorities, the penalty for having a baby when not married could be quite severe. At the least, the shame for her and her family would be horrible. But, Mary believes the angel's words. Her famous words are, And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38, ESV). Her response demonstrates faith, obedience, and an open-handedness about her life. She trusts God's plan more than she fears the responses of others. If only we all had this kind of faith! in fact, Mary, when she visits her cousin Elizabeth (that's right, Mary was related to John the Baptist's mom!) she sings a whole song of joy about how great God's plans are. She recognizes that God's plans are greater than whatever plans she might have and she trusts in the promises He has given to His people:
"He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1:54-55, ESV)
QUESTION: Why do you think God came as a baby?
This is one of my favorite images in the book. Have you ever imagined that God's presence was in the form of a helpless infant inside its mother's womb. God almighty chose to place himself, fully human and fully God inside the confines of a human woman's body. It's kind of difficult for our finite minds to grasp. I think it was incredibly important to God's story that the incarnate Jesus be fully human and this means starting out the way human life starts out. For this baby to be the perfect substitute for us, and the perfect sacrifice for our sins, He needed to be one of us. And so the God who made the universe developed bones and skin and muscle etc. within the confines of an amniotic sac. In this way God is fully human and fully able to identify with the very people He made.
QUESTION: Why does God so often choose the weak and broken and poor of the world to work his plan of salvation?
Yes, Mary was of the line of David -- a great great great great... granddaughter of King David. But so were thousands of other people. She was no princess, and we are told nothing particularly remarkable about her other than that she chooses faith and obedience. God is not impressed in human applause and authority. By working through those who are considered "the least of these," He is able to fully display that it is God at work and no human can take credit for His actions. But, more importantly, to God all humans are equal and throughout Scripture we hear a theme of equality and justice for all people -- a shared dignity no matter the individual's wealth or power. Time and again He demonstrates a deep care for those who have been exploited or overlooked. He reaches down to demonstrate that no matter who you are, you have deep value to God. And so God chooses a young girl to be a part of His magnificent story. In Mary's song she says, "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble" (Luke 1:52, ESV). We see this theme over and over again in Scripture.