This Advent Journey won’t let me proceed to the manger without first hearing clearly what Mary said after the Angel appeared to her and announced that she would give birth to the Messiah.  Out of Mary’s mouth poured these words found in Luke 1: 46-55, often referred to as “The Magnificat”. (Painting, “Gentle Virgin” by Rogier van der Weyden, 15th century Columba Altarpiece)

The coming of the Messiah was about love and light and mercy and grace and salvation.  It was also about JUSTICE.  So as much as the birth in the manger was about peace and love, it was also challenging and unsettling as it proclaimed justice.  The hand of God would be reaching out to the world to bless in unexpected ways.

(Photographer Dave Budnik from Magnum)

There have been times in my life when God has called me to step out into new territory to understand more deeply, to see more clearly, and to take a stand in some form or fashion for justice.  Mostly that has come through mission trips.  The following photo is from Corozal, Belize.  My friend is a pastor’s wife there.

Last summer our family gathered for vacation in Colorado.  My son, who is an architect, got me aside for a quiet moment.  I could tell there was something on his mind.  Quite intently, he said, “Mom, remember the church I told you about…that I might be doing a design for their new building.  They had told me all about their vision for the future.  Well, we were set to go when I read about their beliefs.  They do not believe in ordaining female clergy.  I sat before their council along with the contractor for the project, and told them I could no longer continue as their architect.  I told them my Mom is a minister and that I have seen lives touched by her ministry.  I told them I could not do this project because of their stand against female pastors.”

I was overwhelmed…with pride at the strength of my son’s conviction…with admiration of his courage and determination to step forward and speak out…with love in his sacrificial gift to me and other women called to ministry.  This cost him a significant job that he had been excited about. My son was doing this in the name of JUSTICE.  And today’s scripture in Luke, Mary’s words from God, say that Jesus’ birth is about justice!  If we look at Jesus’ life, it was very much about justice.  He stood for and with the lonely, the lost, the outcast.

I have to look at our world today and ask myself,  “Where would Jesus be born today?  How do I come to the manger?”  Lord, help me.  I want to be your servant.

nk

Pondering…

Where might God be calling us to justice?