HELLO!

Rick Cameron’s first cousin Cyrus "Perley" Beairsto has died. https://www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/189054/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAOqEpVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeKr95ty3b-v0etHKHq7ow39elowvnKz2ZsJZIFeJFuRcqLv_SVjbJDSXUlRA_aem_8HLM4Uh3YktBPhukCEGVlw Please keep Rick in your prayers this week.

In our Advent Faith Study this December we have been reviewing the work of Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan in their seasonal text, The First Christmas. Last week we discussed how Matthew and Luke each provide different themes in the birth story of Jesus. In Luke’s Gospel, his emphasis on women, the marginalized, and the Holy Spirit is evident in stories like the one we will hear on Sunday, Mary’s Song. In this short passage, the prophetic words of two women, filled with the Holy Spirit, give voice to those who are lowly, like the shepherds.

In this Advent season, we are keenly aware that we wait in community for the promises of God to unfold in our lives. Here, in community, we hold each other up when one of us needs encouragement or support. We help one another search for meaning, rejoice with one another, walk alongside each other. Just as Elizabeth must have listened to Mary and helped her prepare for what was to come (at least, as much as such a marvelous thing might be prepared for), we help one another work things out. Sometimes, we just sit in the dark quiet and wait, together, trusting in the promises of God, listening for a word from the Still-speaking God.

Mary’s song is music that comes from deep within her, perhaps, we would say today, from her DNA. On that doorstep, she sings for Elizabeth and both of their babies. This inexperienced and sheltered girl sings about God’s blessings in her life, and about God’s vision of a world made right. She is no longer singing the song; the song is singing her. Mary sings not just for Elizabeth and Zechariah but for every son and daughter who thought God has forgotten the promise to be with them forever, to love them forever, to give them fresh and endless life. Two quotes come to mind: “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity” Simone Weil and “One filled with joy preaches without preaching” Mother Teresa. May we offer attention to those singing these songs, having these dreams. And may our deepest joys preach to those hungry for hope.

Peace, Kevin

PS I love A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, all of the songs. But when it comes to specific songs, this strange one speaks to me. Dave Matthews Band Christmas Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1Cax99gVSA