Bible Text: Luke 1:26-38 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes
Christina Rossetti was born in London on Dec. 5, 1830. Her Father was poet Gabriele Rossetti who was also a political exile from Vasto, Abruzzo. However, ten years after her birth the Rossettis faced a financial crisis when her Father’s physical and mental health deteriorated and he was forced to give up his teaching position at King’s College. At the age of 14 Christina’s own mental health was in jeopardy as she suffered a nervous breakdown and quit school. What gave her comfort was the High Anglican services, which were experiencing a renaissance in the Church of England, and poetry. In 1872 she wrote a poem called, A Christmas Carol, but when it was put to music by Gustav Holst the poem’s first line became its title, In the Bleak Mid Winter. This carol is actually a wee bit controversial. Many theologians are bothered by some of the text not to mention that it opens with a very wintery scene- something that no matter the time of year is not experienced in Bethlehem. Others argue that it is inaccurate to state that heaven cannot hold nor earth sustain God. However, in 2008 it was named the best Christmas carol by an international panel of choristers. I have to admit it is only recently that I have come to truly appreciate the imagery in this carol. It shouldn’t surprise you that I am drawn to a carol with a little controversy. But it is in the third verse that there is an incredible contrast between the celestial beings surrounding Jesus, and Mary’s ability to simply worship with a kiss. Then the final verse turns the question onto us, how are we going to respond to these words of glad tidings and great joy. Out of adversity Rossetti was able to write a beautiful poem that is sung the world over. It is both challenging and sentimental. When we consider Christina’s life we are moved by her ability to take the bleakness of suffering and transpose it into the nativity story. It draws us into the nativity narrative. A few weeks ago I talked about the term anamnesis. This is anamnesis at work-a recalling of the stories from Scripture and applying it to our modern longings, a dynamic remembering or recalling of events by the power of the Spirit so that those events are made present. Today we are drawn into the story of a messenger, Mary and a controversial pregnancy. This is a story of adversity at in operation.
The passage about a young virgin conceiving a child in Luke is both beautiful and controversial for many reasons. The protestant church has always struggled with fitting Mary into the liturgy because the early reformers rebelled against the Marian sanctification. It is really only in the last century that Luke’s story has been included in the lectionary. It is also challenging because there are many who see this story as literal and many as poetic interpretation. I do not want to dwell on this issue but rather want to focus on what is relevant to this story. How a young woman overcomes adversity and shows faith.
The point is that Jesus, like John the Baptist, or Isaac or Samuel, was born against the odds. Yes, those other three were born against the odds because their parents were old but regardless of age Jesus was still born into very challenging circumstances. In this way Mary is of the same casting as the long line of women who became pregnant after divine pronouncement, and intervention. In this sense this story is connected with the Old Testament traditions. However, Mary is a young and vulnerable woman who has now found herself in a precarious position. Hebraic law declares that she could be facing death for “allowing” herself to become pregnant out of marriage. But this visit from the angel gives her assurance that she is part of God’s greater plan.
It is at this very moment that Mary becomes far more than a person in history or another character in the nativity narrative. While many commentators say that she enthusiastically accepts God’s will I would argue that I hear more confusion than enthusiasm in this passage. After all it says that Mary was perplexed by the angel’s words and questions how any of this could be possible. It is not that Mary resigns herself to her station but rather it takes time for her to be assured of God’s presence. How many times are we faced with a challenging situation and it takes us time to gain the courage to accomplish or even begin said task? How many times do we seek assurance of God’s presence, especially when we are facing a challenge. In many ways Mary is like us- uncertain, cautious but also willing to move forward. Mary’s perplexity at the appearance of an angel seems quite appropriate and her questions are not an expression of doubt but an effort to understand the extraordinary words. Questioning is entirely part of Mary’s discipleship.
Mary also becomes a symbol of the faithful remnant of Israel whose devotion and situation requires them to be completely dependent on God for their well-being. Mary serves as a model for true faith, acceptance and dependence on God. When a young girl gives birth in a stable, what choice is there left then to rely on God. And Mary’s confusion is a model for me. God’s will, God’s power, God’s sense of humour can be very confusing at times. There are definitely moments when I can’t explain why something is happening to someone or even how the church can respond. I am completely confused by the political state of affairs in our world, and I don’t understand what it means to our future. But Mary, despite her lack of comprehension, in the face of her reservations, has trust in God. She boldly, not enthusiastically, says, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” This teaches me that we can remain confused while still being devoted. Clarity is overrated. She questions, she ponders, she accepts God’s will for her life, not meekly but faithfully with dependence on God.
There is another aspect that is often overlooked. Yes, Mary has strength and faith and trust but when she says, “I am the Lord’s servant” it is an affirmation of faith that stands out in the New Testament. None of Jesus’ male disciples ever say this to him. Here this young woman, maybe 13 or 14 years of age, dedicates her life, puts herself at risk, stares down confusion, so that she may bring life into this world. She will have to overcome adversity and she does it through servitude. Mary essentially sacrifices herself in as much as she offers her whole self and ability for God’s service. In the New Testament era she would have no legal status and yet she responds to God with a powerful commitment. As a woman she has the power to give birth, but it is not solely this gift that makes her the right candidate. Maybe it is her naivety, maybe it is her courage; regardless she is set apart as someone who will accomplish a holy thing. Mary is the first in Luke’s Gospel on whom God rests favour, but she is not the last.
Today is a busy, long, lonely, challenging, joyful day for many of us. It is beautiful and controversial, it is bleak and it is heartwarming. It is all these things, sometimes all at once. But see that image of angels and arch-angels delivering messages and declaring goodness while one devoted young girl kisses the saviour of the world. What will you give him?
Amen