Pondering Mary & Emmanuel
I’ve been thinking a lot about Mary this Advent season. Because of my childhood religious upbringing Mary wasn’t really talked about because any talk of her might be misconstrued as worship. Through the years I’ve allowed myself to wonder and question – Jesus is okay with questions, God’s not threatened by my curiosity.
This year as I read Mary’s song or magnificat, I was taken by her presence, her faith, her openness to God. At such a young age she was noticing God. She knew from the old scripture that God spoke to people, prompted individuals to tasks whether they felt ready for them or not. She knew the voice of God and was present to it.
She sought a Spirit-filled friend, a soul companion. Her cousin Elizabeth, who acknowledges the baby within Mary as Lord. Without judgment. No condemnation. But full acceptance and love with her. And Mary offers a song in this private space of two friends. They acknowledge this is the God who will bring down rulers and bring peace. And in this safe space she can say that future generations will call her blessed.
Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Oh yes, how blessed you are Mary! To have the blossoming Divine trinity within you.
As I contemplated further I came to a place, a crossroad, where I could rely on my brain and knowledge of theology and doctrine and try to comprehend how a virgin gives birth to a part of the Divine Trinity. Or allow the Mystery of Christ to form me in a new way. So I held my hands and heart open to the Mystery. For there really is no way to know the ways of God.
Just pause for a moment here in wonder.
In my wondering the Holy Spirit revealed to me a connection. I too, hold the Divine within me. The Spirit – part of the Trinity moves with me, in and through my days. Jesus is Emmanuel which means God with us. God within us as an inextricable and mysterious working of the Trinity. I was created in the image of God.
I, too, hold the fullness of God within. You do as well. Emmanuel, God is with you. Emmanuel, God is within you.
Emmanuel as an infant
Emmanuel as you’re dying
Emmanuel in your suffering
Emmanuel in your rejoicing
Emmanuel in the prison
Emmanuel in your workplace
Emmanuel in your sickness
Emmanuel in your hunger
Emmanuel in grief
Emmanuel in love
Emmanuel in broken relationships
Emmanuel in uncertainty
Emmanuel in your loneliness
Emmanuel when you’re overwhelmed
Emmanuel in deep sadness
Emmanuel in turmoil
Emmanuel in your learning
Emmanuel in your unraveling
Emmanuel in your trusting
Emmanuel in your doubts.
God is with you.
God is within you.
The fullness of the Divine Trinity longs to be acknowledged with and within you.
What does the truth of Emmanuel open up within you?