Dec. 5: Mary: A Willing and Fruitful Bride

Annunciation, Grace Carol Bomer. Oil, wax, and gold leaf on panel, 36 x 60 in. Courtesy of the artist.

“Song of Songs”from the album Song of Songs. Composed by Patrick Hawes, performed by Conventus, Elin Manahan Thomas, and the English Chamber Orchestra.

Poetry:

“In the Garden”
by Thomas Hardy

We waited for the sun
To break its cloudy prison
(For day was not yet done,
And night still unbegun)
Leaning by the dial.

After many a trial—
We all silent there—
It burst as new-arisen,
Throwing a shade to where
Time travelled at that minute.

Little saw we in it,
But this much I know,
Of lookers on that shade,
Her towards whom it made
Soonest had to go.

ANNUNCIATION

Life can seem like a desert sometimes, seeing the landscape of want, need, and desolation across our own lives and the lives of loved ones. We need hope, and Luke provides it in a quiet, if startling, passage. In today’s passage, Luke tells us how Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel & told how she will bear “the Son of the Highest.” In addition to this miraculous work, she is also told of the miraculous fertility & pregnancy of her cousin Elizabeth. Gabriel’s concluding word is “for with God, nothing will be impossible.” After hearing Gabriel’s tidings, Mary declares herself to be “the maidservant of the Lord” and agrees to what has been proclaimed to her.

We can pass by the Annunciation, the fancy name for this passage, thinking that we’ve already heard it. Those of us who grew up in church or in a culture that celebrates some form of Christmas are familiar with the beats of the Christmas story: virgin birth, no room at the inn, born in a manger, shepherds, wise men, etc. But here is where the perceived deserts in our lives reveal signs of hope, in the news that the virgin girl Mary has found favor with God. She will conceive and give birth to a son who is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Col. 1:15)

Thomas Hardy’s poem “In the Garden” uses sun & light metaphors to describe waiting & a burst of gloriousness that should resonate with us; for “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) That same burst of glorious relief can be heard in Patrick Hawes’ Song of Songs, our music for today; just as our artwork Annunciation by Grace Carol Bomer shows the wonder of Gabriel & Mary’s conversation.

As the old Christmas hymn says, our “hopes and fears of all the years are met” with the good news of Christ’s incarnation. Yes, there is need and want and trouble here on earth; we see it daily in our lives and the lives around us. To those of us who read today’s passage and feel relief that the Messiah has come: new life in Christ is here, and it is ours. (Romans 6:4)

When we read today’s passage, remember that these words are for our edification. In Christ, our lives are not deserts, no matter what they appear to be through earthly lenses. No matter your situation, we can have future life in Christ because “he shared in these [flesh and blood] so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power and dearth …. And free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.” (Heb 2:14-15) This annunciation is not an announcement, but the announcement. Christ is coming, he is here, and “of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:33)

Prayer:
Lord, our prayer is similar to Mary’s: let it be according to your word. Mayblessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might be to our God forever and ever!
Amen

Stacie Schmidt
Law Librarian

For more information about the artwork, music, and poetry selected for this day, please visit our website via the link in our bio.