(Iona Community)
There are many beautiful paintings of the Annunciation. One
of my favourites is by the painter Simone Martini, painted in 1333, which hangs
in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. In it we see Mary, recoiling, almost aghast at
the solemnity of being asked to bear God’s son, which seems to me to be a
pretty realistic reaction given her circumstances.
Traditionally Mary is thought of as a young girl, a teenager.
As we follow the story in Luke’s gospel Chapter 1 from verse 26, we are told
she is betrothed to a man named Joseph and that Mary was deeply troubled by the
angel’s greeting. She was so troubled that she hurried away to stay with her
cousin Elizabeth for three months. Elizabeth, who was well on in years and having
been childless, was now pregnant, and was living in seclusion.
In many ways it is such a human and everyday story. Of
feeling the task is overwhelming and of wondering how one can cope. It shows the need of someone to turn to when
life takes a demanding and unexpected turn. It is a story of mutual support. A story that
is so relevant in this year when many have suffered. When many have given above
and beyond what was expected.
We are about to
celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour.
It is good to remember the opening response in our service on Sunday,
and whilst I am tempted to quote from later in Luke’s gospel, Mary’s song of
praise, The Magnificat, I reflect on these lines from the carol by the Iona
Community.
Yet Mary,
consenting to what none could guess
Replied with
conviction, “Tell God I say yes”.
In our watching
and our waiting
Come, Lord Jesus.
In our hopes and
in our fears
Come, Lord Jesus.
In our homes and
in our world
Come, Lord Jesus.
Come, bless us and
surprise us as we prepare to celebrate your birth.
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