Praying Together 11th December 2022

Collect For Advent 3

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Almighty God, Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Isaiah 35: 1-10

Luke 1: v46-55 – Mary’s Song of Praise

And Mary said ‘Yes’. Just like that. Straightway. She heard God’s call, delivered through the angel Gabriel. Sure, she asked for a bit more detail – but not for one moment did she refuse. No excuses, no argument, no compromise. Unlike all those very important men like Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Saul, Isaiah and Jonah, who all looked for a way out.

She knew what the consequences would be. The loss of her betrothed husband-to-be, Joseph. The ridicule of being called a shameless hussy, cast out from society. An uncertain – probably unmanageable – future. But despite all that, she still says ‘yes’. Scripture describes many brave acts – but none of them as courageous.

God has to choose a human who He can trust to be the parent of His only Son. He could have selected an important wealthy family, perhaps a princess of the royal blood. You’d certainly have thought so. But, as always, His wisdom is as unexpected as it proves to be correct. Mary is the one He trusts.

I doubt any of us will be called by God to do something as earth-shattering. But we will all be called to fulfil His purpose in our lives. When He does, just say ‘Yes’ – and get on with it.