pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Mary


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Into the Community

Reading: Luke 2:22-40

Verse 22: “Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”

The context for today’s passage is Mary and Joseph doing what all devout parents did – they brought Jesus to the temple to be redeemed. This ritual reminds me of our practice of baptism. As is the case with these parents, I can see Mary and Joseph beaming as they bring Jesus before the Lord. They offer the set amount to redeem their son – a sacrifice of two birds, the price required for a poor couple to bring their son back home.

On Sundays when parents present their child for baptism or for dedication, there is a special feeling, a sense of joy really, that covers the sacrament. It is contagious too – the smiles on the faces of the congregation are a little brighter as the child is made a part of the family of God and a part of our faith community. There is a joy in claiming the child and in committing to help that child walk in the way of the Lord.

There is a joy that we find today in Simeon and Anna. Both are devout, Holy Spirit filled Jews that are awaiting “the consolation of Israel” – the Messiah, the Savior. Both speak of the God-driven life that Jesus will lead. Both rejoice in the gift that Jesus is to them and to the world. Both are now at peace in their hearts. It is a beautiful scene.

As I think of baptism and this passage, I can’t quite imagine doing another baptism without incorporating verse 40: “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” May it be so for each that we welcome into our community of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, there is such joy in dedicating a child to you. It brings happiness to our hearts to welcome them into the body of Christ. Lord, help us all to keep our commitments to these children. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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The Thin Space

Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Verse 19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

We begin this day where many of us will end the day – in Luke 2, verses 1-20. In his gospel to the Gentiles, Luke offers the best known telling of Jesus’ birth story. Luke’s gospel was aimed at those outside of the Jewish circles of faith. Perhaps that is why his telling resonates so well with so many. To recount how the “good news of great joy” came first to the shepherds – to those very near to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder – is to remind us all that the good news of Jesus Christ is indeed for all people.

The Upper Room Disciplines devotional for today reminded me of a very similar experience with what author Richard Morgan calls a “thin space.” This is the liminal space where heaven and earth touch and we enter the presence of the holy. We also were caroling in a care facility when a woman who had sat still and silently the whole time came to life and began singing Silent Night in German as we sang in English. The tune and words touched a deep place in her mind and soul. It was a sacred and holy moment to be a part of as we entered that thin space.

Towards the end of today’s passage we read, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” After a long journey and first-time labor, after receiving this holy story from the shepherds, Mary soaked it all in. She entered that thin space and seeped in God’s presence. This is my hope and prayer for all who will be drawn to worship and to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As each enters into worship, may each find a sacred space to enter into. There, may they each be touched by God so that the dear Christ child may enter into their hearts this night.

Prayer: Lord God, open the hearts of all who will come today to sing carols and to hear the story. May the words and songs draw them into the thin space where heaven touches their hearts. Amen.


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Glorify and Magnify

Reading: ‭Luke‬ ‭1:46‭-‬55‬

Verses 46-47: “Mary said, ‘With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.'”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Mary is at Elizabeth’s house as she offers these words, called ‘Mary’s Song’ or the ‘Magnificat.’ She has stepped into her role, called by God to bear Jesus, the Messiah and Savior of the world. Elizabeth’s response and the Holy Spirit’s response have confirmed all that has happened and together they inspire these words. They begin with this: “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.” These are words that exclaim, ‘What a great thing God has done and I’m so HAPPY to be a part of it!’ Mary overflows with love and praise.

After recognizing the blessed and special role that she has been chosen to play, Mary praises the one who both called her and fills her. These words foreshadow Jesus’ ministry. This makes perfect sense as Jesus will be God in the flesh. The proud are scattered and the lowly are lifted. The hungry are filled and the rich are sent away empty. Those who think that they know it all and/or have it all find it difficult to receive from God. Humility and grace are necessary to receive. To those who know their need, the Lord fills them abundantly.

In this Advent season, what is our attitude? Do we seek to be filled by God? Or are we filling ourselves? Do we offer food to the hungry and lift the downtrodden? Or are we only concerned with our own belly and our own spirits? Like Mary, may we choose to glorify and magnify the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to think of others first this holiday season. Keep my focus outward instead of inward. May abundant love and spirit flow from my soul! Amen.


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Sure and Steady

Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Verse 38: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

In today’s Luke passage we receive the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. Our text is proceeding with the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. Through these angelic visits the lives of Elizabeth and Mary are intertwined, as are the lives of their sons. Continuing on in the text after today’s passage, Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

As we begin in the text for today the angel Gabriel comes to Mary. He tells Mary that she is “highly favored” by God and that God is with her. This is no random visit. Mary is troubled. And probably a bit afraid too as Gabriel next says, “Do not be afraid.” I wonder how I would feel if an angel of the Lord appeared to me. Would I be afraid too? Or would I be filled with joy and excitement over what was about to happen? How about you?

Gabriel explains much of what will happen. It is not “might” but “will.” Huge difference here. Mary will be with child – a child conceived by the Holy Spirit – and she will give birth to Jesus – the Son of God. To perhaps add assurance, maybe to let her know she’s not alone in all of this, Gabriel shares that Elizabeth is pregnant. Old and barren, now with child: “For nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary’s response is sure and steady: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Mary’s response comes from a place of deep trust and faith in God. Indeed, God knew exactly who Gabriel was being sent to. So if God sends an angel – or the Holy Spirit – to you or to me, may we too respond surely and steadily. God knows exactly who we are.

Prayer: Lord God, I am humbled and amazed by Mary’s response. Her faith and trust in you are awesome. When you call, may I answer as she did. Amen.


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Jesus Is Alive!

Reading: John 20:1-18

Verse 18: “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’”

John’s Easter Sunday account begins just as Matthew’s did in yesterday’s reading. Mary Magdalene goes early in the morning to the burial place of Jesus. In Mark’s gospel it is Magdalene and another woman who go to the tomb. In Luke’s gospel “the women” are heading there to care for the body when they find the tomb empty. Then the angels tell them that Jesus is alive. Notice the common theme here is all the gospels.

It is the women who were regularly part of Jesus’ ministry that are the first ones to hear the good news. This feels appropriate. Jesus clearly saw women differently than society and the religious leaders saw women. Jesus sees them as equals, as people of sacred worth. It feels right that these women who were such an integral part of Jesus’ ministry are the first ones to hear and share the wonderful news that Jesus is alive.

It is these same women, Mary Magdalene most notedly, that go and tell the disciples the news. They have to be the ones – the disciples are scared and are in hiding. Peter and John are moved to action only with Mary’s news that someone stole the body. Even though they were at the tomb, Jesus does not appear until just Mary remains, weeping once again. After this encounter, “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’” Knowing the truth of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene goes to share it with others. As we too know this good news, today and every day may we too declare: Jesus is alive!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for totally flipping the script – for delivering the greatest news after the deepest tragedy. With the joy and faith of Mary Magdalene, may I too proclaim that Jesus is alive! Amen.


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A Solemn and Sad Day

Reading: Matthew 27:57-66

Verses 59-60: “Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

As evening approaches Joseph of Arimathea gains permission to bury Jesus’ body. Normally the crucified would be buried in a slowly growing mass grave alongside the road. The Romans believed that was all a crucified criminal deserved. But Joseph thought differently. We read, “Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb.” He cared for the body of the one he must’ve believed in. Joseph is not just some guy doing a random good deed.

In verse 61 we read that “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary” were present while Joseph prepared and laid Jesus’ body in the tomb. Joseph was a ‘secret’ follower of Jesus. Being a member of the Jewish ruling council, he has to keep this quiet. So Mary and Mary were the only two of Jesus’ regular followers to stick around through the whole gruesome event. No disciples came to care for Jesus’ body. No family members came.

On this solemn and sad Sabbath day, the followers and disciples of Jesus were surely overwhelmed with emotions: grief, shock, sadness, disbelief, doubt… Joseph cared for the body. Mary and Mary stayed present and grieved. They would prepare spices and perfumes to go early the next morning to finish caring for the body. No one expected the resurrection. Hope was lost. Love had died.

Prayer: Lord, help me to imagine what this day was like long ago. Let me feel the emptiness and loneliness and despair of the saddest of days. Temper the joy of the resurrection just this day so that I too can remain close to the one who died for me. Amen.


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Mary or Judas?

Reading: John 12:1-11

Verse 3: “She poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.”

As we begin Holy Week we encounter two very different characters. First we meet Mary. During a dinner to honor Jesus, she does just that. Mary takes some very expensive perfume and “she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.” What an extravagant gift of love from Mary to Jesus. What a beautiful scene. Then we meet Judas. He crashes this beautiful scene by objecting to what he calls a waste. He cannot see the beauty because he is blinded by his greed.

As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to be like Mary. We are to look for opportunities to serve one another. We are to be generous with both our resources and with ourselves. We might not be able to offer gifts worth a year’s wages, but we might. But we can bring a meal to a neighbor or maybe we can volunteer to do something at the church or at another local organization. We might not wash another’s feet with our hair, but we can offer an uplifting word in a time of need or we can bring unexpected joy to someone with a small, thoughtful gift or with a note that recognizes their worth.

The truth of the matter, though, is that we all have some Judas in us. I do. You do. We all do. We can easily fall into looking out for self. As our best Judas we can see the potential to do something beautiful for another yet choose not to do it because of what it might cost us. At our worst, we can become outright greedy with the blessings that God has given us, wanting just a bit more for ourselves.

In our passage Jesus defends Mary. She has done the right thing. She has cared for another in her presence. May we do the same.

Prayer: Lord God, when my inner Judas rises up, remind me of all the times that a Mary has ministered to me. And, Lord, may these reminders lead to grateful responses that lead me to pour out your love for the other. Use me this week, O God. Amen.


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Make Way – God at Work!

Reading: Luke 2:1-7

Verse 4: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth… to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”

As Luke’s birth of Jesus story begins, a census is ordered. Caesar Augustus decrees that all people travel to their home towns to be counted. In verses 4 we read, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth… to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.” The purpose of this census was not a lot different than the ones we take every 10 years in the US. The gathering of data is useful to the government for planning and decision making. It is amazing to me that God uses (and probably orchestrates) this secular action that places Joseph and Mary 90 miles from home – but right where the prophets said the Messiah would be born.

Once they arrive in Bethlehem, we see that Mary gives birth, swaddles the baby, and “places him in the manger” – because “there was no room for them in the inn.” Born is a stable or a cave – either way it was a humbling and extraordinary place for Jesus to be born. It was humbling for Joseph and Mary too. The “inn” that refused them a room, well, that would’ve been spare rooms in extended family’s homes. They saw a very pregnant Mary and a new husband and, in essence, said, ‘Not in my house.’ Finally a relative with a little compassion sends them out back to the animals’ quarters. There Jesus is born.

Even though Joseph’s hard decision to follow the guidance of the angel ‘costs’ he and his wife, he was faithful. Here again we see God at work in the ways of the world, using even the bad to work things out according to God’s plan. Christ would grow up to shepherd his people as a humble servant. Where better to start off than in a stable! In all things – from Jesus’ birth to our lives – God works for the good. Day by day may we trust in the God who always makes a way.

Prayer: Lord God, you are ever present and always loving and good. You have provided and protected, redeemed and defended, restored and guided me day after day. Thank you for the work of your hands in my life. Amen.