Advent Devotion: December 7, 2024
Putting Production in its Place
~Bill Buchanan
Scripture – Luke 1:26-29 (NRSV)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Reflection
People can spend a lot of time and energy trying to discover their purpose. Sometimes we go to great lengths (literally and figuratively) trying to hear God’s voice. We might go to the other side of the world on a pilgrimage to discover why we are here and what we are called to do next. Yet, it is striking to me that in this text God’s messenger comes to Mary in Nazareth, her hometown, where she lives and works every day.
The other striking thing about this passage is that before there is any talk about what God intends for her to do (in this case, be the mother of Jesus), she is informed of who she already is— favored by God and accompanied by God. Identity comes first, then the task at hand. We would do well to remember that, especially in our culture where our worth is so focused in our productivity.
The next time you look in the mirror, before you head out the door to do anything, say to yourself, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!”
Prayer
Thank you, God, that you see us, that you are with us, and that you call us favored. Help us to feel your presence in our day to day lives and to know that your love for us is our core identity and our worth. Amen.
Putting Production in its Place
~Bill Buchanan
Scripture – Luke 1:26-29 (NRSV)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Reflection
People can spend a lot of time and energy trying to discover their purpose. Sometimes we go to great lengths (literally and figuratively) trying to hear God’s voice. We might go to the other side of the world on a pilgrimage to discover why we are here and what we are called to do next. Yet, it is striking to me that in this text God’s messenger comes to Mary in Nazareth, her hometown, where she lives and works every day.
The other striking thing about this passage is that before there is any talk about what God intends for her to do (in this case, be the mother of Jesus), she is informed of who she already is— favored by God and accompanied by God. Identity comes first, then the task at hand. We would do well to remember that, especially in our culture where our worth is so focused in our productivity.
The next time you look in the mirror, before you head out the door to do anything, say to yourself, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!”
Prayer
Thank you, God, that you see us, that you are with us, and that you call us favored. Help us to feel your presence in our day to day lives and to know that your love for us is our core identity and our worth. Amen.
