“Signs of the Season: Reimagining Mary” – December 12, 2021

Hello Everyone,

We keep trucking along our Advent journey...moving closer to Christmas. This will be the third Sunday of Advent in which we celebrate and focus on joy!

When we think about joy we don’t always think about Mary the mother of Jesus. Of course there is the story where John the Baptist leaps for joy in the womb of Elizabeth upon Mary’s arrival but joy isn’t typically one of the words used to describe Mary.

If you were playing Family Feud and the top characteristics of Mary were on the board, you’d most likely see words like docile, pure, obedient, submissive., etc. And perhaps she does possess these characteristics but to only describe her as having those attributes is unfair and certainly not Biblical.

After learning of her pregnancy and receiving a blessing from Elizabeth, Mary delivers a prophetic message of praise and justice. This Mary is bold, subversive, and fearless. She depicts that upside down Kingdom that Jesus, the baby in her belly, goes on to usher in.

And this upside down Kingdom is not just good news for the poor and outcast. It is good news for all of us! It is collective liberation and that is reason to be joyful!

I hope you will join us this Sunday either in the Sanctuary or online at 9:30am for this joy-filled Sunday! There is also a half-hour Communion service in the Chapel at 8am.

Peace in Christ,
Chelsea