December 23, 2018

       In my time off during this Advent Season, I have done what I do every year. I have spent some time reading and reflecting on the birth narratives of Jesus. Every year brings fresh illumination.

       This year, I have been struck by two phrases in Luke's narrative. In chapter one verses 28-29, I read these words: The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

        The angel said to Mary, you ARE highly favored! But Mary WAS greatly troubled. How is it possible to be both highly favored and greatly troubled at the same time? And yet more often than not, our faith walk is one of dueling polarity. We slide back and forth on the scale between hope and despair; joy and pain; peace and turmoil; fear and courage; faith and unbelief. There are always times when despite God saying we are highly favored, we are also greatly troubled.

        We are busy going about preparing for the celebrations of this season. And yet we do so, greatly troubled by the government shutdown, families trapped at the border and dangerously callous policy decisions. A Nation Highly Favored and Greatly Troubled!

       Many of us have decorated our homes and will be preparing wonderful meals for family and friends. And yet we do so, in full knowledge that there are those with tents for walls and no room for trees in the cars they live in. A People Highly Favored and Greatly Troubled!

      Although we are blessed, there are those of us who wish the season and the day would just come and go. A time that meant smiles, laughter and warm memories now serves as a reminder of loved ones lost producing pain and grief. A Time Highly Favored and Greatly Troubled.

     We all have our own situations and experiences that highlight the polarities of our faith journey. Sometimes it seems like a never-ending cycle. Buy the angel said something else to Mary that brought me comfort and joy even this week. The angel also said to Mary, "The Lord is With You".

     When you are Highly Favored, the Lord is with you! When you are Greatly Troubled, the Lord is with you! Perhaps this is the secret that helped Paul to be content no matter what state he found himself in.

     So as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, please accept my gift to you. Silver and Gold, have I none but that which I have, I humbly give. Be reminded: THE LORD IS WITH YOU! No matter what state or end of the scale you are on, THE LORD IS WITH YOU!

     Mary learned later why she would need that blessed assurance when Simeon blessed them and said to her, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." But through it all, the LORD WAS WITH HER!

     May the gift of Immanuel, God with us, bring you and yours, Peace, Joy, Hope and Love this Holiday Season! 

Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor