“Mary’s View of Christmas” – Luke 1:39-55 – December 13, 2009
What’s your view of Christmas? Do you see Christmas as a time for families to gather and reunite with relatives and friends you haven’t seen for awhile? Perhaps you have a traditional perception where you do things exactly as you have done them in the past. Or, maybe Christmas is all about the music, singing or humming Christmas carols all through the season.
I see Christmas in several ways. I see the season as a time when people are more benevolent than the rest of the year, reaching out and helping those who have need, or supporting local charities. I also see the season as festive, a time when people seem to be more alive, excited and anticipating being with those they love. But, I also see people in a hurry, overextending them selves and trying to live up to expectations which are unrealistic and overwhelming. I see moments of warmth but I also see loneliness and sadness.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, had a view of Christmas which was quite different but extraordinary. First, Mary saw God’s mercy and infinite grace. She saw the lonely and the suffering, those who were impoverished or oppressed. She said in response to God’s love for his people, “His mercy is for those who fear him.”
What does it mean to fear God? I believe the key is in Mary’s opening phrase when she said, “her soul magnified the Lord.” When we magnify God we reduce the self. In other words, we fear a God who is greater, more far reaching, a God who sees the larger picture. And, we see ourselves through the lens of humility, living in God’s mercy.
One time a man wanted to see and hear God. So he went out to a hilltop and yelled and pleaded with God. “Speak to me,” he said. About that time a bird sang but the man was disappointed. Again he begged God to speak to him but all he heard was the sound of children playing in the distance. Then he said, “Please God, touch me!” Then the wind blew across his cheek. Then the man cried out to God, “God, show yourself to me.” Then a butterfly flew across his path and when he went home his daughter ran out to greet him, but he felt abandoned by God.
The man did not see God since he did not fear God. He completely missed out on God’s presence because he was too self-absorbed. It was he who was magnified, not God. There are moments when God does appear to us, even times when God speaks to us but we are too busy to notice. We truly see God when we are tuned in to the innocence of children and the wonders of God’s world. Most importantly we fear God when we experience those who reach out to us and give us their love.
Secondly, Mary saw God as the Great liberator. “He lifted up the lowly, filled the hungry with good things. He scattered the proud and brought down the powerful.” God allied Himself with servants. God found favor with Mary who was a poor, powerless, young woman. She was totally dependent on others for her needs. She was insignificant, a Galilean peasant, but the one God chose to give birth to His son.
We are awed by the rich and famous. In our society we are conditioned to be self-sufficient and successful. It is not popular to be a servant. Mary however, willingly served God and completely trusted in His grace.
Female vocalist Natalie Grant tells the story about Christmas when she was six years old. Her family was traveling to Sand Diego in an RV to visit her grandmother at Christmas. Like all little children, Natalie was excited about opening presents on Christmas Day. On the way her family stopped in northern California for the night. They couldn’t help but notice an old Airstream camper parked next to them. It had boarded up windows and plastic covered the door. Natalie’s dad, who never met a stranger, went next door and got to know his temporary neighbor. He discovered that the man had been laid off work and had five children to support. The family had lost their home and they were temporarily living at the campground.
After his visit to the neighbors, Natalie’s dad announced that this was going to be the most incredible Christmas of their life. He had them take all their food and they delivered it next door. Natalie’s dad also requested that Natalie and her siblings select one of their Christmas gifts and give it to the family as well. Since she was only six, Natalie wasn’t very excited about giving up a present. She’d wanted a “Real doll” for Christmas, a doll that could actually drink from a bottle. She selected a present that was least likely to be the doll she had hoped for and gave it to her dad to take to the neighbors. But, Natalie, had a plan. If the gift turned out to be her doll, she would immediately take it back and exchange it for another one.
As luck would have it, the neighbors little girl opened the present which was in fact the “Real doll,” the one she had hope for. But instead of snatching it back, Natalie had a very warm feeling inside. She watched as the little neighbor girl stared at the doll, wondering if she could really keep it. The children were shell-shocked that someone could be so generous towards them. Natalie let it go and she has never forgotten the lesson that her father had taught her about the real meaning of Christmas. (from: My Favorite Christmas, by Amy Hammond Hagberg)
Natalie learned what it meant to be a servant. She learned that God is seen as the Great liberator when His servants humble themselves and reach out to others.
Third, Mary saw what could be. She saw promise and hope. She sang about God, who was with her people in the past and would be with them in the future. She envisioned a world that would be completely different than the one she lived in. And, she was not alone.
Mary was mysteriously pregnant, poor and virtually powerless and she turned to her cousin, Elizabeth for help. Like Mary, she also experienced a pregnancy by the Holy Spirit. She too would give birth to a son, John, who would pave the way for the coming of Christ. Elizabeth welcomed Mary into her home and her life. She embraced her with unconditional love. Elizabeth provided the support, friendship and nurture that gave Mary hope and reassurance.
This past week I received an email from a colleague. He was my pastor when I was called into the ministry thirty years ago. He encouraged me and helped me through the transition of leaving the business world and beginning my ministry. In the email he celebrated our time together at St. Luke’s Church in Columbus. While there I was lay leader, Sunday school teacher and a member of the choir. It was through his friendship and support that enabled me to begin a new chapter in my life. And for his help I will be eternally grateful. It was frightening, difficult and full of adventure. But I was not alone.
Mary’s view of Christmas challenges us to fear God with complete trust and humility. It is through her that we can see Christmas differently. Rather than be consumed by the craziness of the season we can see Christmas through her eyes, expecting good things to happen, calling attention to the presence of God and remembering that we too are God’s servants. Mary’s story reminds us that we are not alone and that God can be seen as the great liberator who “lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things.” Like Mary, we too can give birth to love, peace and grace.
Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio