A sermon for Advent 4 and the baptism of Milly.

No doubt the visit of the Angel and the news that he brought is a shock for Mary - is there an opportunity for Mary to say no? - many talk of her courage, faith in saying yes - but do any of us have any choice when God calls?

Wonder of the nativity passages is that they make clear that Jesus’ paternity was doubted - it clearly was not Joseph, and Luke and Matthew tell us it was God - is that what Mary told her family, the village, did anyone believe her? We don’t know - what we do know is that she accepted God’s call. She may not have had a choice, she may, like so many women through all time need to react to the reality of an unplanned pregnancy - what to do? abort? disappear? abandon? adopt? Mary says Yes, not just to be the carrier of this baby but to become a Mother with all that entails and with it the hopes and expectations that come with this child - 

Whether planned or unplanned, making room for babies in our lives places demands upon our lives. Change in status, worldview; constraints on time and actions; expense; worry; hopes for the future, expectations - that is the Yes that Mary has said - to motherhood and the hope that this child brings  

His mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away empty.

Mary made room for Jesus in her life. Can we make room for Jesus at Christmas in amongst the parties, the present giving, the family demands? Can we make room for Jesus in our daily life in amongst the demands of work or school, of the social commitments and desires, can we find time to join with others in fellowship and worship? As parents & godparents who have promised to teach Milly the love of God and bring her up in the life and worship of the Church. That will take time and commitment, it will be about making room for Jesus in your lives and in the life of Milly in amongst all the other things you need to do, want to do. 

May we all find ways to respond with Mary “I am the Lord’s servant! let it happen as you have said”