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. . . As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . . . Joshua 25:15b
Advent 4 Yr C
Introduction
Introduction
Just as I was beginning to type this introduction, I was struck by the tie between Micah's and Luke's readings for this week. Micah describes Bethlehem as one of the "little" clans. I read that to be lesser-known or insignificant. Luke's reading describes meek and mild Mary, mother of God. Is it a coincidence (of course, I think not) that these two readings are paired? Isn't the understanding here is that God will bring forth much (that is, our salvation) from little? That's the conclusion I will take today. Comments are always welcome.
Micah 5:2-5a
Micah 5:2-5a
You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.
From sermon4kids.com: “On this, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of love. Let us join Mary in praise to God for he has done great things for us. He has sent us the gift of love, his only begotten Son, that we might have eternal life.”
Scripture: December 19, 2021—Micah 5:2-5a (image); Canticle 15 (or 3) (image); Hebrews 10:5-10 (image); and Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) (image). A video/audio journey through the scripture.
Collect: Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reflection: Where do you see the light of Christ magnified in your person, your life, and the ways of your family and community? Notice in the coming week one time each day when the light of Christ is made present for you by others.
(excerpted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press)
Images enhancing
the scripture
“Magnificat” by Jan Richardson
“Annunciation” (c 1436) by Jan van Eyck
“Annunciation” (1930) by Rene Magritte
“Annunciation” (1898) by Henry Osawa Tanner
Music founded
in the scripture
a little country, 2006
by John Rutter, 1900s
by J. S. Bach, 1700s
by John Michael Talbot, beautiful images, 2003
by Latin chant (women’s voices, a capella), Gregorian chant
Other voices
about the scripture
“You are highly favored“, a reflection by Rob McCoy
“Magnificat: A challenge to love” by Pastor Bob Henry
Candle of Love
We are born alone and we will ultimately die alone, but in between we desperately want to be known, to be understood, to belong, to find some kind of acceptance just as we are—some intimacy of soul. And so we reach out with fragile, delicate efforts of love.
But love is dangerous. We can hurt each other. Hearts can be broken. Rejection can come. If you try to belong, you can be excluded, and that can hurt more than being alone.
Love, and the vulnerability that comes with it, can be the riskiest business of all. But there is no love without such risks. Like hunger and thirst, the longing for love is implanted deeply within us, and God offers us many opportunities to care, to reach out, and to love.
downloaded from https://lifeinliturgy.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/advent-candle-lighting-rituals/ on 11/28/28.
Movies representing some part of the scripture
“The Annunciation“ (1984, not rated), "You said I would know everything!", YouTube trailer
a guide to a number of movies about the annunciation
For families: Study guide and activities (another guide); group activities. snack, kid video
For all ages: coloring Matthew, Luke Behold, Mary, Jesus, manger; puzzle;
For children: See family guide/activity (other activities – one and two); bulletin; craft
For middlers: See family guide/activity (other activities – one and two); bulletin, craft
For youth: In this week's gospel, we hear of Mary's song, the song she sang when she realized that she had been chosen to bear Jesus. Do you sing when you hear good news? I hope so. Some of us sing well; others not so much. Regardless of the quality of our voice, singing is good for us. Of course it helps the lungs work. More importantly, it enriches our lives. How will you sing this week? Comments welcome.
The theme of the Fourth Sunday of Advent is the role of the Virgin Mary in the events that brought about our salvation. A related theme is the Lord’s human nature.
The first reading deals with the Messiah’s human origins. He will come from the village of Bethlehem within the clan of Ephratha, the smallest and least significant of all the clans of the Tribe of Judah. The importance of this prophecy from the book of Micah is that with the Messiah, as with all people, greatness comes from God rather than from human sources.
It was as an obedient human being that Jesus made the willing offering of himself for our salvation, says the author of the Letter to the Hebrews. The salvation of humanity was accomplished within human life not apart from it.
Human nature has a real and definitive role to play, a role revealed in the story of Mary. Today’s Gospel reading is the story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Both Elizabeth and her unborn son rejoice in Mary’s role. [When the longer reading is used: Mary then praises God in the words used by the church at Evening Prayer, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”] God’s blessing of Mary, the lowly servant, will be extended in the ministry of Christ to all, especially the poor and the lowly. In her acceptance and cooperation with God’s will, Mary becomes the model for our response to God and the human agent of God’s gift of the redeeming Christ to the world.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.
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