From

a friend of mine who happens to be a retired UMC preacher and calls Hilldale UMC his home church:

Advent Day 22
Luke 1:46b-551:46b "My soul magnifies the Lord, 1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,1:48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;1:49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.1:50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.1:51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.1:52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;1:53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,1:55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."


Often referred to as "Mary's Song" or "Mary's Magnificat" (my soul magnifies) these verses in Luke give us an impression of who Mary was when she carried the baby Jesus.

Scholars argue regarding her age; some argue regarding her marital status; some argue regarding whether or not she and Joseph had consummated their relationship prior to getting married. None argue that she was NOT the mother of Jesus!

Who was Mary? Most Christian teachings say she was young (14 - 16 years old); a virgin (based on a passage in Isaiah); and no one who stood out due to wealth, beauty, or status in society. In that day and time, women were considered "property" of the male head of the household and often traded or used to barter for political or land holding security.

When asked to "step up" to carry out some task related to ministry in the local church, too many respond by saying: "I don't think I'm up to that." What would have happened if Mary had responded that way?

More than likely you have seen the posting that goes something like this: "God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called." While we may "feel" that we are not up to the task, God will supply the necessary courage, strength, and ability for what God has called us to do. And as Mary showed us, we don't have be a special kind of person nor hold a special status in society to do God's will. When we surrender ourselves and say, "Yes," God can and will do great things through us.
Allow Advent to work in your spirit to discern God's calling in your life--United Methodism teaches EVERY believer is called (Priesthood of all believers). Then, allow Advent to be a time to seek God's leading in how to prepare and to proceed.