Advent Devotion: December 10, 2024
Placing Mary’s Call
by Rebecca Albright
Scripture – Luke 1:34-38 (NRSVue) Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Reflection
When I was called into ministry at a mature age, it seemed like a joke – and if not a joke, certainly something not meant to actually happen. It seemed logistically unsustainable for the duration of the required courses and the amount of travel required. Yet everything fell into place. Even on those days when I felt so tired and incapable, a piece of manna would float down from heaven, it seemed.
While I am in no way comparing my call to ministry to the Lord’s call to Mary in Luke’s gospel, I realize that calls from God come in a variety of forms, to a variety of ministries. As a pastor, it is not unusual for someone to share a series of events and express surprise, uncertainty, and confusion. As we open our hearts and our minds to possibilities beyond our limited human imagination, God moves us to places we never even imagined. What are you being called to at this time? What are you resisting with thoughts of being unqualified and ill-equipped?
Prayer
God of imagination and opportunity, give us the courage to accept your call. Give us the wisdom to discern our full potential through your love, grace and guidance. Make us always willing to listen so we may hear your call, even a still, small voice.
Placing Mary’s Call
by Rebecca Albright
Scripture – Luke 1:34-38 (NRSVue) Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Reflection
When I was called into ministry at a mature age, it seemed like a joke – and if not a joke, certainly something not meant to actually happen. It seemed logistically unsustainable for the duration of the required courses and the amount of travel required. Yet everything fell into place. Even on those days when I felt so tired and incapable, a piece of manna would float down from heaven, it seemed.
While I am in no way comparing my call to ministry to the Lord’s call to Mary in Luke’s gospel, I realize that calls from God come in a variety of forms, to a variety of ministries. As a pastor, it is not unusual for someone to share a series of events and express surprise, uncertainty, and confusion. As we open our hearts and our minds to possibilities beyond our limited human imagination, God moves us to places we never even imagined. What are you being called to at this time? What are you resisting with thoughts of being unqualified and ill-equipped?
Prayer
God of imagination and opportunity, give us the courage to accept your call. Give us the wisdom to discern our full potential through your love, grace and guidance. Make us always willing to listen so we may hear your call, even a still, small voice.
