Promise of Hope

Scripture Reading:

Sunday Scripture Reading: Introduction

Luke 1:39–55 NLT

39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” 46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Introduction

Unwed mothers are called many things, but even today, “blessed” is not usually one of them. In fact, Old Testament law goes so far as to say that an unmarried woman found to be pregnant should be brought to the entrance of her father’s home and stoned to death (). There are other laws with similar statements of condemnation toward unwed mothers, and none of them include the word “blessed.”

Traveling the distance to see not just a relative but one who is married to a priest would probably be a daunting task for an unwed mother like Mary. The news may have traveled that Elizabeth has conceived a child in her old age, but it’s also possible that Mary may be unaware. Like, the news may have traveled to Elizabeth that Mary is with child, but she might also be unaware. Since this is before a standard postal service or telephones, there is a likely possibility that neither knows about the other. Concern for what could happen may have crossed Mary’s mind, but she goes anyway, likely unsure of what the response will be.

This is a very important concept to remember when we are reading this passage. Mary had everything to lose and nothing to gain when people found out she was with child.

Even Traveling the distance to see not just a relative but one who is married to a priest would probably be an overwhelming emotional stress for an unwed mother like Mary.

While the news may have traveled that Elizabeth has conceived a child in her old age, it is also possible that Mary may be unaware. Like, the news may have traveled to Elizabeth that Mary is with child, but she might also be unaware.

Since this is before a standard postal service or telephones, there is a likely possibility that neither knows about the other. Concern for what could happen may have crossed Mary’s mind, Would they accept me, Will they love me, Will they embrace me and most or all will they believe me? All of these questions had to be weighing on Mary’s mind.

She goes anyway, likely unsure of what the response will be. But the response is not one of condemnation, or a call for a stoning—but of blessing.

But the response is not one of condemnation,or a call for a stoning—but of blessing. Blessings are poured out upon Mary as they reflect on the promise of God and the fulfillment that is unfolding even as they stand there together. They stand in hopeful expectation that the promises of old are being fulfilled in their midst. And in response, Mary sings.

But the response is not one of condemnation, or a call for a stoning—but of blessing.

Blessings are poured out upon Mary as they reflect on the promise of God and the fulfillment that is unfolding even as they stand there together. They stand in hopeful expectation that the promises of old are being fulfilled in their midst. And in response, Mary sings....Yes Mary sings.

Body

1. Mary’s song is one of God’s promises being fulfilled and an act of resistance to the op- pression they have faced.

a. This parallels in some ways the songs of Moses and Miriam after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea (). Miriam, from whom Mary’s very name likely came, was a worship leader for the children of Israel, and here again, Mary leads a song of worship that parallels songs she likely heard as a child.

A song of deliverance and God’s faithfulness. While Miriam was singing of deliverance from the Egyptians and the miracle of crossing the Red Sea, Mary is singing of deliverance from the oppression of the Roman Empire and the miracle of the Messiah coming.

Both songs refer to the mighty arm of God. There is a theme of strength and power; where people feel weak and vulnerable, God is powerful to save.

The right hand/arm speaks of authority and strength. Despite the seeming authority of the world, the declaration is that God is ultimately the authority.

iii. Songs of resistance and prophecy about the downfall of an oppressive empire. The Egyptians were a mighty empire who kept the Israelites as slaves.

A song of deliverance and God’s faithfulness. While Miriam was singing of deliverance from the Egyptians and the miracle of crossing the Red Sea, Mary is singing of deliver- ance from the oppression of the Roman Empire and the miracle of the Messiah coming.

The Romans also flourish at the expense of the Jewish people. These songs spoke words of resistance to these powerful regimes, that their days were numbered and the downtrodden would flourish.

While the people have been living in oppression, hunger, and poverty, Mary’s song speaks of a kingdom where the script is flipped and the hungry and poor will be fed and restored. This new kingdom is in complete opposition to the current kingdoms of the world Mary sings in the right now so that, while the promise is in the process of being fulfilled, she is declaring with her words a new reality that they can live into even in the midst of its unfolding. She uses a powerful prophetic imagination to help others live into hope.

This new kingdom is in complete opposition to the current kingdoms of the world Mary sings in present tense so that, while the promise is in the process of being fulfilled, she is declaring with her words a new reality that they can live into even in the midst of its unfolding. She uses a powerful prophetic imagination to help others live into hope.

\ Mary sings in present tense so that, while the promise is in the process of being fulfilled, she is declaring with her words a new reality that they can live into even in the midst of its unfolding. She uses a powerful prophetic imagination to help others live into hope.

The kingdom of God that was being ushered in with Jesus was something to be grasped and lived into, even in the midst of its unfolding through Mary.

Both songs refer to the mighty arm of God. There is a theme of strength and power; where people feel weak and vulnerable, God is powerful to save. The right hand/arm

While Elizabeth speaks words of blessing over Mary, Mary speaks words of hope and blessing for those who are oppressed. She does not just receive the blessing but, in her song, declares blessing over all the people of Israel.

She declares the faithfulness of God in tearing down rulers of this world and meeting the needs of the poor. The Messiah is coming to bless everyone through the ushering in of a new kingdom.

She speaks of the mercy of God for all the children of Israel, not just for her. Mercy was not some- thing to be hoarded; rather, all people experience mercy through the coming of Christ.

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As people who know the end of the Advent story, who know of the faithfulness of God through Jesus, we can declare the hope and fulfillment of promise even as we wait for the not-yet of the kingdom of God to be fulfilled in our midst. We know the hope to come even as we live at times in the shadow of death. We declare resurrection hope and mercy, even in the midst of dead places as people of promise.

We declare resurrection hope and mercy, even in the midst of dead places as people of promise.

We are to sing songs of hope. We are to sing songs of peace, unity and justice.

We sing these songs because of Jesus. Not to advance some militant secular philosophy. But to advance the delivered promised hope of Jesus...

As we read through the words of Mary, we also reflect on the life of Christ, who cared for the oppressed, the poor, and the weak. We stand in solidarity and hope for the oppressed of the world.

As we read through the words of Mary, we also reflect on the life of Christ, who cared for the oppressed, the poor, and the weak. We stand in the gap with them and hope for the oppressed of the world.

Songs can remind us of who we are and give us the strength to stand when we feel like we cannot. 1. Mary’s song has been passed down for centuries, like the song of Miriam before her. These songs of worship serve to remind us that we belong to a different kingdom.

Songs can remind us of who we are and give us the strength to stand when we feel like we cannot.

1. Mary’s song has been passed down for centuries, like the song of Miriam before her.

Modern songs that mirror Mary are those like We shall over come…The Abolitionist Hymn, and Let us Break Bread Together were sung to celebrate that not yet in the right now.

Modern songs that mirror Mary are those like We shall over come…The Abolitionist Hymn, and Let us Break Bread Together They were sung to celebrate that not yet in the right now.

They declare a different way, a way of hope for those who feel like there is no hope.

2. While Mary is declared to be blessed, she is not blessed for her own sake but, rather, for the sake of the world.

c. As bearers of Christ to the world, we are blessed to bless others. The blessing is not one for us to hoard but to declare over others. We are to extend the blessings of hope, mercy, love, and grace to the world around us.

While Mary is declared to be blessed, she is not blessed for her own sake but, rather, for the sake of the world.

The Messiah came for all, and there is a universal nature to his call toward the world. We are called to reach out to all as well. Though some may not receive the blessings we extend, we are still called to extend them.

Much like Mary, we carry the image of Christ within us. While we do not physically carry Christ, we are the image of Christ to the world. We are to sing songs of hope to the world around us.

speaks of authority and strength. Despite the seeming authority of the world, the decla- ration is that God is ultimately the authority.

We have a hopeful song to sing as we move through these last days of Advent. It is a song that declares that, even in our darkest moments, we are not forgotten, and we declare that to the world around us. We remember the mighty arm of God and the ways that God has been faithful to God’s people, and we have a confident hope that God will be faithful again.

iii. Songs of resistance and prophecy about the downfall of an oppressive empire. The Egyp- tians were a mighty empire who kept the Israelites as slaves. The Romans also flourish at the expense of the Jewish people. These songs spoke words of resistance to these pow- erful regimes, that their days were numbered and the downtrodden would flourish.

We have a hopeful song to sing as we move through these last days of Advent. It is a song that declares that, even in our darkest moments, we are not forgotten, and we declare that to the world around us. We remember the mighty arm of God and the ways that God has been faithful to God’s people, and we have a confident hope that God will be faithful again.

We prophetically live into the kingdom of God now, a kingdom that looks so different from the kingdoms of this world. We open our arms and extend our blessings to the world around us.

We sing this song again today, and in the days and weeks to come, remembering the song of Mary from so long ago—that our God is faithful, that the Messiah has come and is coming again, and that we are truly a people of hope.

While the people have been living in oppression, hunger, and poverty, Mary’s song speaks of a kingdom where the script is transformed and the hungry and poor will be fed and restored. This new kingdom is in complete opposition to the current kingdoms of the world.

Father, thank you for the example of Elizabeth and Mary, when you visited them with news of the world's redemption in the coming of the Savior they embraced your message with Joy over being part of ushering in the Promised hope of the World.

Mary sings in present tense so that, while the promise is in the process of being fulfilled, she is declaring with her words a new reality that they can live into even in the midst of its unfolding.

We thank yo that she did not let the expectations of a sinful world to rob her of Joy for the part she was about to play.

We ask that you make our hearts leap with joy, and fill our mouths with songs of praise, that we may announce glad tidings of peace, and justice and welcome Jesus Christ in our midst....Amen.

Amen.

May we remember the Hope of the

As is our Custom we will respond to this message by coming to the table to receive the presence of Jesus by participating in the Holy Eucharist or Communion together. We do this by intinction which means you will come and receive the broken body of Jesus and dip it into the cup and take the elements into your mouth.

She uses a powerful prophetic imagination to help others live into hope.

Before or After communion you may either take time at an altar of prayer or you may return to your seat and wait for the benediction or closing prayer.

We are an open communion Church which means you do not have to be a member of this local Church to receive communion with us.

The kingdom of God that was being ushered in with Jesus was something to be grasped and lived into, even in the midst of its unfolding through Mary.

All those who are truly repentant, forsaking their sins, and believing in Christ for salvation are invited to participate in the death and resurrection of Christ. We come to the table that we may be renewed in life and salvation and be made one by the Spirit.

ALL THOSE HELPING PLEASE COME FORWARD AND TAKE YOUR PLACES

We gather at this, your table, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who by your Spirit was anointed to preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, set at liberty those who are oppressed. Christ healed the sick, fed the hungry, ate with sinners, and established the new covenant for forgiveness of sins. We live in the hope of His coming again.

On the night in which He was betrayed, He took bread, gave thanks, broke the bread, gave it to His disciples, and said: “This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, when the supper was over, He took the cup, gave thanks, gave it to His disciples, and said: “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.” Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Come to the table as The Lord leads

While Mary is declared to be blessed, she is not blessed for her own sake but, rather, for the sake of the world.

Song

Receive this Benediction

While Elizabeth speaks words of blessing over Mary, Mary speaks words of hope and blessing for those who are oppressed. She does not just receive the blessing but, in her song, declares blessing over all the people of Israel.

Be people of hope. Let hope live in your heart and share the hope of Christ with all you meet. Share hope by noticing someone else’s humanity. Share hope by listening to someone’s story. Share hope by praying for our world. In this Advent season, we need to see, feel, and share hope. As you go out into the wonder of God’s creations, share hope with those you meet.

Amen.

She declares the faithfulness of God in tearing down rulers of this world and meeting the needs of the poor. The Messiah is coming to bless everyone through the ushering in of a new kingdom.

She speaks of the mercy of God for all the children of Israel, not just for her. Mercy was not some- thing to be hoarded; rather, all people experience mercy through the coming of Christ.

3. We also have a song to sing.

As people who know the end of the Advent story, who know of the faithfulness of God through Jesus, we can declare the hope and fulfillment of promise even as we wait for the not-yet of the kingdom of God to be fulfilled in our midst.

We know the hope to come even as we live at times in the shadow of death.

We declare resurrection hope and mercy, even in the midst of dead places as people of promise.

We too can sing songs of resistance that stand up to oppressive powers and declare mercy for the oppressed.

As we read through the words of Mary, we also reflect on the life of Christ, who cared for the oppressed, the poor, and the weak. We stand in solidarity and hope for the op- pressed of the world.

Songs can remind us of who we are and give us the strength to stand when we feel like we cannot. 1. Mary’s song has been passed down for centuries, like the song of Miriam before her.

These songs of worship serve to remind us that we belong to a different kingdom.

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2. We remember hymns that were sung over us and to us that also stand against systems of oppression in our world. Hymns like “We Shall Overcome” and “Let us Break Bread Togeth- er” that declare a different way, a way of hope for those who feel like there is no hope.

c. As bearers of Christ to the world, we are blessed to bless others. The blessing is not one for us to hoard but to declare over others. We are to extend the blessings of hope, mercy, love, and grace to the world around us.

The Messiah came for all, and there is a universal nature to his call toward the world. We are called to reach out to all as well. Though some may not receive the blessings we extend, we are still called to extend them.

Much like Mary, we carry the image of Christ within us. While we do not physically carry Christ, we are the image of Christ to the world. Thus, we are to sing songs of hope to the world around us.

Conclusion

We have a hopeful song to sing as we move through these last days of Advent. It is a song that declares that, even in our darkest moments, we are not forgotten, and we declare that to the world around us. We remember the mighty arm of God and the ways that God has been faithful to God’s people, and we have a confident hope that God will be faithful again.

We prophetically live into the kingdom of God now, a kingdom that looks so different from the king- doms of this world, even as we wait for the kingdom to be fulfilled at Christ’s return. We open our arms and extend our blessings to the world around us.

We sing this song again today, and in the days and weeks to come, remembering the song of Mary from so long ago—that our God is faithful, that the Messiah has come and is coming again, and that we are truly a people of hope.

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Promise of Hope

1. Mary’s song is one of God’s promises being fulfilled and an act of resistance to the oppression they have faced.

While Mary is declared to be blessed, she is not blessed for her own sake but, rather, for the sake of the world.

We also have a song to sing.