Fourth Sunday of Advent

She said “Yes!”

We often see pictures of the joyful couple’s public engagement announcement! We rejoice with them and often celebrate the good news of a love story, a journey leading to all sorts of possibilities. Mary also said “Yes”—to God! Every year at this time, I search for images of The Annunciation, and each year I find new meaning, new messages as I study them. Google makes it possible to find hundreds of images, surprisingly inclusive of a variety of cultures and color tones. Mary said “yes” even in the midst of her confusion, fear, wondering, and overwhelming feelings. The messenger’s answer to her queries was steadfast: “…nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary’s foundational faith, her constant prayer, and the values of her parents led her to overcome fear and to become a carrier of Jesus! Can Jesus be at home in our flesh as he was in Mary’s?

L.R. Knost, award-winning author, feminist, and social justice activist is the founder and director of the children’s rights advocacy and family consulting group, Little Hearts/Gentle Parenting Resources. Often quoted, one of my recently discovered Knost quotes is:

Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.

Mary carried Jesus, the light of the world. We too carry Jesus, every day, every moment. How do we bring light to the world? How are we witnessing to the promise that nothing will be impossible for God? Can Jesus be at home in our flesh as he was in Mary’s?