Today our reading deals with the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel comes to Mary and fills her in on the part she's to play in the coming of the long awaited Messiah. She does ask the question "how will this be since I'm a virgin?" but it's more a question of the type we talked about the other day of wonder rather than of doubt. And she believes. That is a miracle!
Reading my "Martin Luther Christmas Book", I came across some insight into this. The Virgin birth is a mere trifle for God; that God and man should become man is a greater miracle; but most amazing of all is that this maiden should credit the announcement that she, rather than some other virgin had been chosen to be the mother of God." Her response is one of great faith - worthy of imitation! Her response at the end "May it be to be as you have said" is a quote I try to live as a child of God. I want to be able to say to my God no matter the circumstance that comes my way, "OK, Lord. I don't have to understand this, or feel good about it or imagine I'll get through this with my reputation still intact, etc. but may it be to me as you have ordained knowing that you have a plan and a purpose. Knowing you have taken care of my greatest Need."
Just as the virginal conception was the work of the Holy Spirit, so is the faith in our hearts. Mary didn't make anything - God conceived the miracles within her - of Jesus and before that , her faith. And so while I think again, this chapter could be understood correctly, I'm uncomfortable with the phrase she uses throughout "become a space".
I do think the best way to understand what I think she's trying to say is found on page 221 - When you are a space to receive whatever the will of God is in this moment as grace, you take hold of God. You most take hold of God when you simply receive Him in this moment of taking hold of you. I think she's trying to encourage us to take the example of Mary, who in great faith trusted the Lord to work it out instead of trying to work it out for herself. When Christ is in us, we are with Him always. There's no separating the sacred from the secular because it's all sacred. And when our eyes are open to that reality - the way the life for Christ stirs amazing grace within (222) - we see that all is grace through faith in Jesus.
"No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven," says the one who is preparing the way (John 3:27) 222-223.
Everything is given from heaven. Everything is a gift. Your life becomes a masterpiece the moment you see it as a gift of grace to willingly receive. (223) It's easier to stand with hands wide open to receive the good than it is to accept the hard stuff. But everything is a gift.
This is the chronology of grace, the chronology of Christmas: before we're called to give, we're called to receive. This can be the hardest. We struggle to receive. Sometimes we are better givers than getters. Grace? For me?(223)
Here's where I jump back to my "Martin Luther's Christmas book" - This is the word of the prophet: "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given" (Isaiah 9:6). This is for us the hardest point, not so much to believe that He is the son of the virgin and God himself, as to believe that this Son of God is ours. That is where we wilt, but he who does feel it has become another man. Truly it is marvellous in our eyes that God should place a little child in the lap of a virgin and that all our blessedness should lie in him. And this Child belongs to all mankind. God feeds the whole world through a Babe nursing at Mary's breast. This must be our daily exercise: to be transformed into Christ, being nourished by this food. Then will the heart be suffused with all joy and will be strong and confident against every assault. (16)
May God give us all the faith and courage to say with Mary, "May it be to me as you have said."
4 comments:
I must admit, I found it hard to follow Ann in this chapter...so I appreciated that your post expounded and added to her ideas. I do really resonate with Mary's words, "May it be to me as you have said." I, too, find her words and example inspiring. They are such an awesome example of faith! And, as such, they also remind me of how often I fall short, though they are a great ideal to keep in the forefront of my mind and to pray for.
I have also been thinking about the phrase, "everything is a gift," which makes me a little uncomfortable. I understand that God let sin and hardship and death and suffering into this world to show us our need for a Savior. And that, yes, showing us our need, is a gift, because it is often what we need to bring us back to him. But I don't know if I am comfortable using the phrase, "everything is a gift," in my daily life unless there is a long explanation for what that means, as it seems to belittle the heartache and trauma people face. Or maybe I'm just being too sensitive. I don't know. Rachel, what do you think?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Christine. This chapter was a challenge for me, to be honest!
In regards to your concern about the meaning "everything is a gift" , I would agree that this particular post and chapter didn't flesh that out and can see how you would have concern. I wrote it in light of previous chapters where we did talk about this a lot more - in particular December 9 and a little on December 6 (especially Karen's comment).
I think those posts will give a longer explanation for where this is coming from but just to refer to here from Scripture, we can start with Joseph and his comment after everything he had been through "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good." (Genesis 50:20) "For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord (Jeremiah 29:11) and James chapter 1 which includes "every good and perfect gift comes from above." And Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
It's certainly not meant to belittle anyone's pain or trial but to put perspective to it and eternal comfort - which Karen said very well in her comment:) And being comforted by this can give us the strength to say with Mary "may it be to me as you have said."
I hope that helps clarify where I was coming from?
I agree that leaving it with "hard times show us our need for a Saviour and can bring us back to him" would would lack the comfort of the gospel and leave me uncomfortable too!
Well that's what I get for coming into this so late! Thanks, Rachel, I'll check out the earlier posts:)
No, No! I'm glad you came even late:)
I'm thankful you've taken the time to do the readings and ask questions - that's the whole idea!! Keeps me on my toes, too:)
Blessings to you as we quickly approach the celebration of Jesus' birth.
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