The season of Advent is one of waiting, of anticipating, of discovering and re-discovering truths about our faith and our world.  During this time, believers are asked to put themselves into the ancient stories: Who would I be? What would be my reaction? When am I most ready to accept the circumstances set before our favorite characters? Where do my current actions and ideals fit into the plan God set before humanity? How might I be changed this season to become a better person? Why am I/are we here?

I was asked recently to prepare a meditation on just five verses from Luke’s Gospel. The reference is one you will know well: (here from the NRSV) Luke 1:34-38 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.

This year, in my current frame of mind, is what I am learning about Mary.

The carols of this season tell us of one version of this girl/mother Mary.  One begins, “Gentle Mary laid her child lowly in a manger.” Another announces, “To you, this night is born a child of Mary, chosen, mother mild.” In Sunday school pageants and on Christmas greeting cards, young Mary, dressed in blue, bends demurely over her newborn baby.  Looking at these images, I imagine her cooing to the baby, counting and recounting 10 little fingers and 10 little toes, and acquiescing to the intrusions of shepherds and kings as these strangers arrive to greet her baby.

But that all comes later.  Now is the moment of initiation for our sweet girl.  An angel from God has appeared to her: not just any angel, this is Gabriel!  He has a name, a message and a mission. When he appears to Mary, she is perplexed, silent, and does not seem to be afraid. These are clues we may have missed in our initial take on her personality. Gabriel shares his astounding message, and Mary’s only question is this: since I have not yet known a man, how can this be?

It is amazing to me that she does not question that a pregnancy can happen if initiated by God. No doubts about the child having the potential to be great, to perhaps even aspire to a position of powerful leadership.  Don’t we all believe that our own children can one day grow up to be president?  She does not question the possibilities now set before her, but her question sounds as if she is concerned that she isn’t holding up her end of the bargain. She hasn’t had the necessary experience for this miracle of life to begin. And yet, perhaps it isn’t doubt, exactly, but rather scientific inquiry. Because she is still a virgin, there has to be another explanation and she is curious and eager to learn just what this “other” means is.

I love that! And Gabriel seems to understand her question as just that. She is curious and wanting to learn, so he explains exactly how the pregnancy will come about. Gabriel — just a chapter earlier — gave exciting news to Mary’s relative Zechariah.  He also questioned Gabriel’s news about his own son-to-be, rather in a more “I doubt it” tone. Gabriel muted Zechariah’s voice and silenced his questions.  Now, Gabriel could have displayed his powers in response to Mary’s question, but I believe hers is asked in a different tone. She is already accepting the challenge — she just wants to be better informed about her part in it. She is preparing for the inevitable questions and accusations, gathering all the information she can so she can better inform the world.

To solidify this bolder image of Mary, we look to her final say in this dialogue with an angel. He states, “For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary knows that!  She believes that!  She accepts that this power is true even for herself in this situation which is about to turn her world upside down.  And so Mary responds confidently. I imagine her pushing a stray wisp of hair back underneath her bandana, standing fully upright, hands on her hips.  And, in a slightly updated (my version) of her acceptance speech utters these words: Here I am. I believe.  I accept. Let’s do this.

Have a very Mary, merry Christmas!

 

Cherie Daniel is pastor of Peace United Church of Christ and St. Paul’s United Christ of Christ of Minnesota Lake.