4th Sunday of Advent
This week we have heard that the local covid19 lock down restrictions will be reimposed here in Northern Ireland for another 6 weeks from the 26th December. It is very easy to be critical of these decisions and we cannot forget the fact that they will affect the livelihoods of many people as COVID-19 itself has affected all of us and continues to do so.. We also remember that the NHS could be overwhelmed with COVID19 as well as the normal pressures of this time of year and we pray for everyone that they will get the strength to keep on going despite the difficulties that might lie ahead.
This weekend we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent and we hear the story of the Angel Gabriel coming to tell Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. But as we hear this story we should stop and step aside from all the ongoing activities of this time of year to think about how Mary felt when she got this news that she was to have a child. Luke tells us, ” she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.”
The angel has to reassure her, “Do not fear Mary.” – she must have been afraid. In that uneasy world of Galilee, a place of conflict and struggle, Mary’s personal response showed confusion and doubt. Still, Mary did not get a road map of the future neither do we especially these days with of COVID19. Gabriel announced the conception and birth of royalty. Mary’s child would be “great”. He would be Son of the “Most High” (a title for the greatest God, the highest concept of divinity one could have. The title “Son of” indicated a unique, intimate relationship with this highest God and a sharing in this God’s power). He would have the Davidic throne of Israel forever. [1:32] Mary made room for God in her life. Scripture suggests God wants to enter more fully into our lives; with all the good and bad and all the happy and sad times that are part and parcel of our lives. Mary accepted, even proclaimed, God’s will in her life. She placed her future in the hands of the Father so should we.
Marys example should inspire us to stand firm as Christians in today’s world of ever-changing fads and fancies as we face up to the secular razzmatazz in the run up to Christmas. Remember, the words of others may sting, but the Spirit of God burns within. The divine fire can withstand the darts others fling toward us. This Christmas will give us many challenges as this past year has and we should place ourselves and our future in the hands of our heavenly Father as Mary did and we wont go far wrong at all.
Fullerton T 