Issue 135
I must confess, I find it difficult to identify with an unmarried, pregnant, teenage, first century Jewish girl who has just received news that she is to give birth to the Son of God; it is somewhat outside of my experience! Some of you, reading this piece, may possibly have experienced some elements in common with her, but overall you would consider her experience to be so far from yours that it certainly won’t have much to say in your workplace this Christmas.
Perhaps another look at her song will convince you that you can join in the music, even at work. Here are some suggestions for you as you prepare to take your place in the choir:
Firstly, Mary was misunderstood. The culture was not that sympathetic to untimely pregnancies. Your faithfulness to God where you work will not always result in a sympathetic response.
Secondly, Mary recognised that God had done great things for her. He had remembered her humble circumstances and yet entrusted her with an unbelievable blessing. If you can focus on what has happened to you this Christmas you will realise that God has carried out some amazing turnarounds in your life. If you have been a Christian a long time, you may have forgotten the greatness of the invasion of the Spirit of the Saviour into your life, but you share this with Mary.
Thirdly, she was entrusted with the task of carrying the Saviour and bringing him to birth. Eventually, those around her would experience what she knew: that she had been favoured with an enormous responsibility. Here you would think your path and hers diverge – perhaps not. You too have been asked to carry the Saviour into your workplace. You have been entrusted with the responsibility of letting others experience what you have been carrying and meet the Christmas Saviour for themselves. It is obviously not the same physical process but neither is it just analogy. God does want you to be the bearer of his Son to others.
Fourthly, Mary found her soul glorifying God, rejoicing in him and overwhelmed with gratitude and awe. As you allow the impact of the Christmas story to sink into your soul, even the commute or drudgery of the day will look different in the Light of the world.
Maybe I am making too much of this. Maybe it was too long ago and far away. But if you read the music, you will hear a repeated refrain. It has to do with generations: “Generations,” says Mary, “will call me blessed, God’s mercy will cross the generations via those who fear him and help will be delivered to people of faith forever.” That seems to reach our ears. Happy Christmas.
Luke 1: 46-55
Mary’s Song
46And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me–
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”
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Work well
Geoff Shattock
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