Tag: Mary

Pastor’s Notes 12/20/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way… –Matthew 1:18

“In her song, Mary honors her God who mirrors the life her son will live: lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry, coming to the aid of God’s people, bringing down the powerful, sending the rich away empty, and scattering the proud… Mary is on the verge of delivering God's depth and beauty into the world; God will be embodied by a child. Mary, the earthly mother of our incarnate God, can see it. She can see hope, justice, and right relationships. In the Magnificat, she speaks the way of God into being, just before Jesus is born. Like my mother whispering in my ear when I was a child, calling forth whom I shall become, Mary speaks her dreams into existence.” —from the artist’s statement for “Magnify” | @sanctifiedart

On the fourth Sunday of Advent we will light the candle of Love and wonder with the Christmas story around the theme, “Hope is Worth the Risk.” Our Tuesday Bible Study group has prepared a very special Christmas pageant for us as the characters around the Nativity story come to life and reflect to the first Christmas and the ways they stepped out in faith to witness the Messiah enter into the world.

Mary risked her reputation, her relationships, and her future to say “yes” to God’s call. Joseph took the risk of trust, choosing to embrace Mary and the child she carried despite the uncertainty. The shepherds left their flocks behind to run toward a message of good news, risking what little they had for the chance to see the light of the world. The Magi journeyed from distant lands, risking danger and defying a king’s wrath, all to bow before a newborn King.

A beast of burden carried the load and saw the depth of human love at its finest. Even the star, steady and unyielding, risked being unseen as it shone brightly to guide seekers to the hope of the world. Each character played a part in this story of divine risk and ultimate hope, stepping into uncertainty with faith that God’s promise would be fulfilled.

Their stories remind us that hope is not passive; it requires action, courage, and trust in God’s presence. It calls us to move forward, even when the path seems unclear, knowing that Emmanuel—God with us—walks beside us. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or YouTube this Sunday and then again on Christmas Eve at 4 pm!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 11/29/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you.”  Luke 1:28

Advent is upon us once again. A Sanctified Art, a publishing team, will provide the direction with their curriculum: “Words for the Beginning: Advent Reminders for New Seasons.”

As Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity explains the theme in the materials:

“As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on.

In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new.

Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for  our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.

We have crafted an Advent series filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. We imagined the words Mary would speak to her newborn son.

What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he grew? And so, our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality, these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults.”

I look forward to setting out on this Advent journey together with the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 paving the way. Gabriel spoke with efficiency and grace to convince Mary that she was not only blessed and worthy of God’s blessing but was herself, a blessing. May we take these words to heart in our own ministries and calling. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. 

Pastor’s Notes 12/8/2023

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. –Luke 1:39-41

One thing the authors of our “How does a weary world rejoice” want to impress upon us is that in community, our joy expands. Even when personally, we are weary and may find it hard to rejoice, we can carry each other’s joy. Not only are Elizabeth and Mary kin, but they now become deeply kindred spirits for one another.

The good news begins to take shape in Elizabeth’s womb, but scripture tells us that she stays secluded, hiding her pregnancy from others—that is, until Mary arrives at her door, also pregnant. Perhaps Mary’s arrival is the inbreaking that changes everything for Elizabeth, for in that moment, her child leaps in her womb and she is filled with the Spirit. She can’t help but rejoice.

Being around people who aren’t afraid to expose their excitement permits us to do the same. Joy thrives when it can be shared. Joy operates so much better when it is a communal experience. Engaging in moments that connect us is why parents who are expecting invite those they love to gender reveal parties. This is why fans thousands upon thousands of fans fill stadiums for sporting events and concerts, to share joy with others.

Our authors remind us that Joy is fundamentally rooted in connection, but connection expands beyond just human relationships. We experience joy through feeling a deep connection to ourselves, our loved ones, to God, to nature, and to the whole cosmos that surrounds us. As we look to the Gospel text, many sermons may emphasize how Elizabeth provides sanctuary for Mary. However, this year, we hope to highlight a different angle: perhaps Mary’s arrival is what pulls Elizabeth out of her seclusion, allowing her to experience joy and delight.

On Sunday we will celebrate the mutuality of Elizabeth and Mary’s bond—even if they each cannot feel joy for themselves, they are both holding joy for each other. From that connection, joy grows. We are connected as the body of Christ; we are on a journey of faith together! See you Sunday.

Brett