Advent II (Blogophilia 42.6)
Interesting choice of topic this week. "From Just Beyond". At church this week, we did Lessons and Carols. In the Anglican tradition, the back story of the coming of Chirst is told through Old and New Testament scripture, alternating with appropriate hymms and carols of the season.
Towards the end of the sequence is the story of Mary the Virgin. There is little information about her lineage, although we know that Joseph was a descendant of the house of David. We can assume that she was from a more humble clan. Indeed, scripture indicates she was nothing more than a young woman, probably acting in a servant role in the village. Her marriage was an arraigned affair, to become formalized at the next harvest.
On a dark night in the early spring, Light broke where no sun shone, and an unknown caller came up with the ultimate pick up line: "Greetings, favored one." Yeah. She had her doubts. What would everyone say? It wouldn't take a genius to know that the betrothal had been broken. And the risk was not insignificant. At best she would be shunned and at the worst, stoned for the act. The caller persisted and she acquiesced, taking on a role and a burden that we admire to this day.
So,take a moment a remember. It all started with a young, powerless woman. No matter who you are and where your starting point is, there is a role in this world for you.
Merry Christmas.
Towards the end of the sequence is the story of Mary the Virgin. There is little information about her lineage, although we know that Joseph was a descendant of the house of David. We can assume that she was from a more humble clan. Indeed, scripture indicates she was nothing more than a young woman, probably acting in a servant role in the village. Her marriage was an arraigned affair, to become formalized at the next harvest.
On a dark night in the early spring, Light broke where no sun shone, and an unknown caller came up with the ultimate pick up line: "Greetings, favored one." Yeah. She had her doubts. What would everyone say? It wouldn't take a genius to know that the betrothal had been broken. And the risk was not insignificant. At best she would be shunned and at the worst, stoned for the act. The caller persisted and she acquiesced, taking on a role and a burden that we admire to this day.
So,take a moment a remember. It all started with a young, powerless woman. No matter who you are and where your starting point is, there is a role in this world for you.
Merry Christmas.
Oh Chris - that was marvelous, and your church service sounded interesting too
ReplyDeleteI've always liked Lessons and Carols. It makes me forget the commercialism and gets me focused why we are doing this.
DeleteIt is always interesting how history treats people - she may indeed not been nearly so honored in her own time.
ReplyDeleteTM
From the few hints, no she wasn't. She passed from the scene apparently not long after the Crucifixion.
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed all of this, but then, you knew I would.
ReplyDeleteYour closing statement is powerful beyond words.
That was indeed a powerful tale. 8 points, Earthling! :D
ReplyDelete-Marvin
You state it so well. The truth is there is a role for everyone! :) -Leta
ReplyDeleteWell done! There's a role for us all...
ReplyDeleteIrene
Quite a powerful message in this.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have a role, I'd prefer a Danish. :) Sorry just me being dumb again.
Blue fool
And a cup of coffee?
Deleteplease!
DeleteBeautiful! And Merry Christmas to You and Yours as well.
ReplyDeleteWonderful write Chris....loved it!
ReplyDeleteDemme
Thank you for reading.
Delete