Clergy Notes — Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2024
This past week, I did something which (for me) was quite terrifying: I agreed to be interviewed by CBC for a story they are doing about Christmas sermons at four different churches. I agreed to do it because, quite frankly, I will do almost anything for the sake of the Gospel, but I confess that – even despite the very professional nature of the crew and interviewer – it was not a comfortable procedure for this very introverted person!
Then again, perhaps Advent 4 is a particularly fitting time for us to do things that are scary, for the sake of the Gospel. We travel with Mary to visit Elizabeth, who is also pregnant, recalling Mary’s ‘yes’ when the angel Gabriel approaches her to tell her she has been chosen to bear the Christ-child into the world. My introverted discomfort about being on camera is, truly, nothing compared to the terror young Mary must have felt at the prospect of being an unwed mother in a time when she could have faced ostracization and even death if anyone found out.
Like Mary, we are all called to bear Christ into the world. And, like Mary, we will probably be invited to do things that are uncomfortable, or even downright scary, for the sake of the Gospel. Are we willing to be fools for Jesus? Are we ready to trust in God, and say with Mary, “Let it be unto me according to your word.”?
As we draw nearer to the birth of Emmanu-el, God with us, I pray that we will all be filled anew with the courage and faithfulness of Mary, Mother of God.
And may we, with Mary, rejoice in God our Saviour, who comes to save us all.
Mother Amanda
