Advent: Mary Liturgy
I’m so excited to present this gift to you today from my dear friend Beth Malena. Some of you know Beth and others may have read about her wedding on my blog.
When Beth and I worked together at Jacob’s Well she would often write liturgies for us and I’m so thankful that I can share her latest one with all of you.
Mary Liturgy – Advent 2014
She said yes
having done nothing to earn His favour
having nothing to offer
except a willing spirit, an open womb
barely a teenager
barely holding back fear
brimming with unasked questions
before this humble God
who needed her collaboration…
We, too, have found some of your good gifts
so weighty and awkward to accept.
Emmanuel, God-with-us,
come dwell in us.
Form us into people
who know how to receive you in freedom.
She was condemned
having done nothing to deserve this shame
the disgrace, the scandal of the day
the whispers, the glances, the sly half-smiles
sexual outcast
loose and dangerous girl
powerless to defend herself
much less defend this mischievous God
who broke all his own rules…
We, too, have been the topic of gossip,
misrepresented, rejected, accused.
Emmanuel, God-with-us,
come dwell in us.
Form us into people
who know how to endure with courage.
She had no proof
no witnesses, no chapter and verse
to validate the strange divine encounter
that left her pregnant with hope and fear
waiting in darkness nine lonely months
grateful for one friend
who believed and called her blessed
frustrated at this quiet God
who doesn’t always reassure us we’re right…
We, too, have craved certainty,
but faced lingering doubts.
Emmanuel, God-with-us,
come dwell in us,
Form us into people
who know how to wait with faith.
We pray as Mary prayed:
Turn our world upside-down.
Lift up the humble, extend your mercy.
Emmanuel, God-with-us,
Be formed in us.
Be born in us.
—
What are your favourite readings at Advent?
A Note from Jane:
Beth has recently joined the amazing team at New Direction and if you are looking for a place to give this holiday season, I would highly recommend them.