A young girl, barely in her teens, standing in a quiet corner of her home. She’s just been told something extraordinary—something that would terrify most of us. She’s going to carry the hope of the world in her body. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the risks are overwhelming. Yet she doesn’t run, she doesn’t argue. Instead, she simply says, ‘Let it be to me according to your word.’
Mary’s ‘yes’ to God has echoed through generations, not just because of what it meant for the birth of Jesus, but because of what it tells us about courage, faith, and trust. As theologian Karl Rahner observed, Mary’s fiat ('Let it be to me according to your word') represents the perfect human response to divine grace—an openness that enables God’s transformative work in the world.
Today, I want to talk about Mary—not as a distant figure in a nativity scene, but as a young woman who faced unimaginable challenges with strength and grace. What can we learn from her? And how does her story invite us to see the overlooked and underappreciated roles in our own lives differently?
The story of Mary and Elizabeth is not just a tale of shared joy—it’s a radical declaration of how God moves through the unexpected and the overlooked. Mary, a young girl from a humble village, carries the hope of the world. Elizabeth, long considered barren, becomes the mother of the one who will prepare the way, continuing a legacy of faithfulness that stretches back through three generations. Together, they embody a truth that shakes the foundations of power: God’s greatest works often begin in places and people the world disregards, weaving a legacy where every detail is intentional and transformative.
Here we are, in the fourth week of Advent, often called Mary Sunday. For the second year in a row, it falls on the fourth Sunday. I hadn’t preached about Mary before last year, and to be honest, I’m not sure I fully appreciated her story until recently. My work with Catholic Charities in the past gave me a new perspective on her, especially on the prominent role she plays in the Catholic Church. I say "outsized" because it’s a role I wasn’t familiar with, and it’s one that often goes unnoticed in my own tradition.
What stands out to me most is that this role is deeply gendered. Often, we elevate figures or concepts to the point where we forget their true significance. As Protestants, we may be particularly prone to glossing over some of these traditions entirely. In my own faith journey, my relationship with God has always been central. I’ve often felt skeptical about organized religion. In fact, that’s something my big sister once said to me. When I invited her to Nottingham, I told her, "We’re not all that organized."
Maybe I get some of my skepticism from my first role models; my sisters. Women in this world really are in a more complicated situation. Science researchers certainly have agreed over the last century. Most medical research has been done on men because they are so much simpler. I don't know that I have ever been afraid. Most women know a type of fear that I will never know. One thing we can say about Mary she knew this fear.
Several years ago, when I started giving these messages, I made a point to write them down. There were a few reasons for this. The first was practical: creating a message is no small task, and it seemed wasteful to use one only once. The second reason was more personal. I have sermons my grandfather took the time to type out, and through those words, I got to know him even better after he died.
When my daughter passed the bar, he helped me with the gift I gave them. The doctor in Serbia seemed to know more than anybody when he looked at the ultra sound and said, "I don't see anything of his." Being human can be tough enough. It is more important that you work than how. You either believe in creation or you don't.
I passed on one of the clocks I had inherited from my grandfather—a very special wall clock. This clock, designed by Seth Thomas and manufactured by the Ball Watch Company, carries with it a world that my grandfather knew well.
On the Ball
The Ball Watch Company was more than just a name. Clocks were among humanity’s first computers. Agreeing on what time it was unlocked a whole new level of order and possibility. You Might even argue the beginning of the modern world.
That phrase—"on the ball"—is a gift from this era. To us, it’s a simple expression, but back then, it carried the weight of a world synchronized and in motion. If you were on the ball, you weren’t just punctual—you were aligned, reliable, and ready.
It makes me think of my Sara. They have always been “on the ball,” and I believe this will continue to serve them well, though the world changes around us.
God Is On the Ball
Debbie two weeks ago spoke about how God is “on the ball,” actively working for good in ways we can’t always see. We don’t know what’s coming, but we know it will be good.
Something curious has happened. I’ve discovered something surprising. I haven’t repeated a message. Huh?
The context might be the same—the scripture unchanged—but the message is singular. It evolves because we evolve. A message, like Mary, is always singular. Mary, in her visit to Elizabeth, shows patience and trust in divine timing. Mary's acceptance and Elizabeth’s affirmation model community support and solidarity. Traditions, skills, and faith are passed through generations. A simple story from an old world. Mary this new start can feel very modern. Her strength we recognize. The threes we take notice: community support and solidarity - traditions, skills, and faith.
Mary’s story is a profound invitation to all of us, regardless of gender or background, to see our own lives reflected in her journey of faith and trust. She was an ordinary young woman called into an extraordinary purpose, yet her response—“Let it be with me according to your word”—resonates as a model of courageous surrender to God’s will. In her story, we find the universal human experience of facing uncertainty, wrestling with doubt, and ultimately stepping forward in faith.
This old world straining to be modern.
Established systems of power and social order are failing, while alternatives have yet to fully materialize. Mary the first modern woman? Mary’s story transcends the ancient world, offering timeless lessons for our modern struggles. Her willingness to embrace the unknown, despite the enormous risks, mirrors the courage seen in today's leaders who confront uncertainty with faith and resilience. Whether it's the young women challenging oppressive systems or individuals taking stands for justice in their communities, Mary’s ‘yes’ to God calls us to examine how we respond to the divine invitation in our own lives. Her journey isn’t just about motherhood or gender—it’s about discipleship, trust, and the power of saying ‘yes’ to God’s call, even when the path ahead is unclear. In this way, Mary’s example continues to inspire all of us—regardless of gender or background—to trust in God’s plan and take courageous steps toward justice, compassion, and hope.
Today, as we reflect on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, we see not just a meeting between two relatives but a profound moment of affirmation and trust. Mary, carrying the promise of the Messiah, finds solace and support in Elizabeth, whose own miraculous pregnancy is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
Luke 1:39-45 I read from the Amplified Bible
39 Now at this time Mary arose and hurried to the hill country, to a city of Judah (Judea), 40 and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him.
-The best thing about being pregnant is feeling a deep connection to new life growing inside you. What we have here is even more remarkable. I doubt that these are the only two women to have this experience, but I mean wow.
42 And she exclaimed loudly, “Blessed [worthy to be praised] are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed [spiritually fortunate and favored by God] is she who believed and confidently trusted that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her [by the angel sent] from the Lord.
This encounter is a bridge between generations—a younger woman seeking confirmation from an elder who understands the weight of the divine. I’ve come to appreciate the human precision it takes to trust God's plan, especially when the path ahead is uncertain.
Mary’s visit reminds us that faith is not a solo journey. It is enriched by community, by those who walk with us and remind us that we are part of something far greater.
In Mary and Elizabeth, we see the power of shared faith and mutual support—a timeless reminder that God’s promises are never late but arrive with perfect precision. Beverly Roberts Gaventa, in Mary: Glimpses of the Mother of Jesus, notes that this meeting exemplifies the deep bonds of kinship and covenant, recalling the Old Testament narratives of faithful women like Ruth and Naomi, who found strength in solidarity.
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55 AMP)
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 “For He has looked [with loving care] on the humble state of His maidservant;
For behold, from now on all generations will count me blessed and happy and favored by God!
-We all would like to leave a legacy, but this simple woman is right as we think of her primarily blessed and happy. Some go as far to say that Mary had no pain with pregnancy. But I think of her
49 “For He who is mighty has done great things for me; And holy is His name [to be worshiped in His purity, majesty, and glory].
50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation
Toward those who [stand in great awe of God and] fear Him.
51 “He has done mighty deeds with His [powerful] arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
-Mary had experience with those people she is telling us clearly here. She did not come through life without complications, but she has seen the work of the Lord in her very presence.
52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And exalted those who were humble.
- In the Magnificat, Mary speaks words that bridge the infinite and the immediate. She is singular—chosen to bear the Word made flesh—and yet isolated, holding within her a truth no one else can yet see or fully understand. Her song is an act of both expression and faith, words given shape to magnify what is otherwise beyond human comprehension. My soul magnifies the Lord. It is a phrase that carries the weight of paradox: humility and exaltation, isolation and connection, the finite body holding the infinite God.
53 “He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent the rich away empty-handed.
- Mary had experienced hunger and wanting.
54 “He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 Just as He promised to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 And Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her home.
Abraham reminds me of Sara and her own miraculous birth here. In Genesis 18:12 from the Amplified Bible:
12 So Sarah laughed to herself [when she heard the Lord’s words], saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure and delight, my lord (husband) being also old?”
(Gen 17:17) 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? And shall Sara, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”
It is not a straight path but it goes through Sara and Mary. Mary was like an answer to the laughter of Sara. Progress would come slowly, but it would come. People go to great lengths to say that Mary did not suffer and how that is important. They talk of special grace. I think that Mary must have suffered not the least when her child was killed.
Instead of believing that God makes it easy for a chosen few, it seems to me a chosen few make it easier for all of us.
It is hard to look on Mary without are modern eyes. That perhaps is not always a terrible thing. We imagine a world that Mary did not live in, but Mary lives in this world. There are many things we know that Mary knew. It is easy to dismiss the role of women in the church. It is easy to dismiss the complications of women in health research.
But we create a world out of balance. Knocked off the ball we run on satellites. We run faster but we get nowhere fast. It is hotter. !.5 degrees Celsius to be precise.
Women’s contributions are still often overlooked today. From unequal pay to the lack of women in leadership roles, society continues to undervalue their skills and perspectives. Yet, examples of their resilience and excellence stand out—whether in movements like climate activism, with leaders like Greta Thunberg, or in healthcare and education, where women often play vital roles in their communities. Even in faith settings, where traditional roles can persist, women lead with strength and wisdom, reflecting the virtues praised in Proverbs 31. By sharing these stories, we can connect ancient teachings with modern life and encourage everyone to support full participation in building a better world.
Greta Thunberg, a young Swedish environmental activist, has been pivotal in raising global awareness about climate change. Her work highlights the often-underestimated role of youth, particularly young women, in shaping global discourse on environmental justice. Her activism challenges the status quo, showing that even a single individual can spark global movements. Much like Mary, who was young and from a humble background, Thunberg’s voice was not one that the world initially expected to make an impact, but her courage and dedication have reshaped how we think about climate activism.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus demonstrated a deep love and respect for his mother, Mary, while also using moments involving her to teach profound spiritual truths. At the wedding in Cana, Mary’s trust in Jesus led to his first public miracle, transforming water into wine. Her quiet confidence—“Do whatever he tells you”—reveals her understanding of his divine purpose. Yet even in this intimate moment, Jesus subtly reminds her, “My hour has not yet come,” pointing beyond the immediate need to the greater mission ahead. This balance of care for his mother and focus on his divine calling is a recurring theme in their relationship.
Jesus also challenged traditional notions of family, broadening them to include all who follow God’s will. When told his mother and brothers were seeking him, he responded, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” This wasn’t a dismissal of Mary but an invitation for all to see themselves as part of a larger spiritual family. Similarly, when a woman praised Mary from the crowd, Jesus shifted the focus to obedience: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” In these moments, Jesus honored Mary’s role while emphasizing that faith and action bind us to God’s family more deeply than biological ties.
At the cross, however, we see the tenderness of a son who never forgot his mother. In one of his final acts, Jesus ensured Mary would be cared for, entrusting her to his beloved disciple, John: “Woman, here is your son.” Even as he bore the weight of the world’s sin, Jesus’ concern for Mary was deeply human, a reminder that divine mission and personal love coexist in God’s kingdom. Together, these moments paint a picture of Jesus as both the Son of God and a devoted son to Mary, expanding our understanding of family and faith while never neglecting the bonds of love.
Mary’s Magnificat, her song of praise, is remarkable not only for its theological depth but for its revolutionary vision. It speaks of a world turned upside down, where the humble are lifted, the hungry are fed, and the powerful are brought low. These are not mere words of comfort—they are a proclamation of God’s justice and mercy, a declaration of hope for all who feel unseen, unheard, or forgotten.
Mary’s story, her song, and her faith, all three, are timeless reminders that God’s work often begins in the most humble and unexpected places. Through her, we see learn these three: how faith transforms fear, how trust in God’s promises brings strength, and how the ordinary can carry the extraordinary.
As we move through Advent, let us reflect on Mary’s legacy—not just as the mother of Jesus but as a model of discipleship, courage, and unwavering trust in God. Her story invites us to see our lives as part of a greater narrative, to trust in divine timing, and to magnify God’s presence in all that we do.
May we, like Mary, carry God’s promise into the world, even when the path is uncertain. May we find strength in community, as Mary did with Elizabeth. And may we remember that God is always “on the ball,” working through us to bring light into the darkness, hope into despair, and love into the world.
There are more women in Mary's community. Starting from the most humble of places and the only two people to laugh directly at God in the Bible. Do you think that is significant who the two people in the bible are who laugh at God? The Christian community that developed from Abraham and Sara told themselves a story of three women.
The stories of Lilith, Eve, and Mary can be radically reinterpreted as a triad exploring humanity’s evolving relationship with power, freedom, and transformation. Lilith, often cast as a villain in traditional folklore, represents a primal demand for equality and autonomy, rejecting both hierarchy and submission. In her defiance, she becomes a shadow figure—a reminder of what humanity exiles when it fears the unyielding call for justice and self-definition. Eve, positioned as the archetypal "fallen" figure, is not merely a symbol of weakness but of curiosity and risk. Her decision to eat the fruit can be reframed as a courageous step into the unknown, a necessary rupture that sets the stage for human growth and the pursuit of wisdom, albeit through pain and toil. Together, Lilith and Eve embody the paradoxes of rebellion and consequence, revealing that creation’s truest challenge lies in negotiating the boundaries between freedom and interdependence.
Mary, in this radical lens, emerges not as a docile counterpoint but as the harmonizer who reclaims the power of choice on her own terms. Her "yes" to God is neither passive nor predestined but an act of radical trust in the possibility of transformation. Unlike Lilith and Eve, who grapple with systems of exclusion and consequence, Mary transcends these cycles by offering a vision of integrated humanity—where autonomy and surrender coexist in a creative tension. In her, the divine meets the human not in domination or judgment but in partnership and grace. Seen through this lens, Lilith, Eve, and Mary together form a continuum of human striving: from raw independence, through the struggle of brokenness, to the redemptive embrace of purpose and renewal. Their stories invite us to confront not just the roles we are given, but the ones we can choose to redefine.
Mary reminds us that greatness often begins in humility and faith, not in power or privilege. Her story challenges us to recognize the overlooked and honor the contributions of those often dismissed. Like Mary, may we respond to God’s call with courage, trusting that even our smallest acts of faith can be part of something extraordinary. As we await the coming of Christ this Advent, let us also prepare our hearts to magnify the Lord through our own lives, lifting up the lowly and filling the hungry with good things
This week, I challenge you to take a moment to recognize and uplift someone whose role often goes unnoticed—whether it’s a caregiver, a volunteer, or a colleague working behind the scenes. Let them know their work matters, and in doing so, reflect the love and recognition that God shows to all of us, no matter how small our part may seem.
Like Mary, may we recognize the power and dignity in every role we play, embracing our callings with faith and courage, knowing that even the smallest acts of trust can echo through eternity. Let us go forward, inspired by Mary’s example, not only to trust in God but to actively build the community, justice, and hope that this world so desperately needs. And as we do, may we find courage in the knowledge that the work of the Lord, though often unseen, is always at hand.
Let Us Pray:
God of infinite love and timeless precision, we come before You with hearts open to Your guiding light. You have called each of us into a life of purpose, woven with faith, courage, and trust in Your promises. In Mary’s story, we see our own call to surrender to Your will, even in uncertainty. Strengthen us to walk paths of compassion, justice, and humility, always seeking to uplift and support one another. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may magnify Your name in our words and actions, carrying Your hope into the world. Amen.
Benediction:
Go forth into the world with hearts attuned to the call of grace. In every encounter, may you bring kindness, in every challenge, perseverance, and in every moment, peace. Go now, carrying the light of hope and love to all you meet. Amen.
Nottingham UMC 12/22/2024
