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Advent: 9th December - There’s nothing to fear
Posted Thursday 09 December 2010
Henry Tanner, The Annunciation
Opening prayer
I rejoice with Mary and Joseph, I worship with the shepherds, I sing with the angels, I offer my gifts with the wise men. I receive the living Lord.
The story continues…
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, be called 'Son of the Highest.' The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob's house forever— no end, ever, to his kingdom." (Luke 1:29-33)
Silence and Imaginative exercise
There's nothing to fear. Strong words, words that reverberate into our 24/7 day and still have an effect, of scepticism, challenge and hope. 'She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that.' Mary is suspicious, sniffing out an ulterior motive. Am I suspicious of God? I wonder if I can move through and beyond that to a deeper trust? Imagine yourself as Mary and hearing these words. Cycle through your senses. What do you see, touch, taste, hear and smell? (9 minutes?)
Closing Blessing
May Christ Jesus look into your face with love, God the Creator spring to life within your being and the Holy Spirit be found in sacred places around you. To print out a single page pdf copy click here.
