Advent Blog Part 1: The Scandal of Christmas

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.”

– Luke 1:46-49

By Pastor Emily Carroll

As we turn our hearts towards Christmas, Mary’s song echoes through my soul. So much of our rendition of the Christmas story features Mary: Her song of praise lifted to God, her willingness to go where God asks, her expectation of the growing baby, and …

Her virginity.

When so much of Mary’s story is a remarkable for her boldness and her faithfulness, why do we care so much about whether she had sex or not? (Augustinians hold your breath here).

There are some (deeply faithful) Christians who I know wouldn’t bat an eye about this … of course Mary conceived through the (uh-hmm) “usual means.” And there are some (deeply faithful) Christians who I know hold tightly to the virgin birth as evidence of Jesus’ reign as Son of God.

Whatever you think is the true scandal of Christmas (or if you’ve never really thought about it), I invite you to sit with me in the mystery through these next four weeks as we ponder (much like Mary) what Jesus’ birth might mean for us under less supernatural circumstances.

Part 1: Caught in the Act

Matthew 1:18-19

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.

Luke 1:30

The angel said her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”

Let’s be honest, we love gossip. There are very few humans I know whose interest doesn’t pique when the phrase “did you hear…” arises. Our ears are prone to pick up on scandal, particularly a scandal having to do with sex. Perhaps because mention of it is often taboo, something that we all know happens, but no one wants to talk about, or perhaps because it belongs only in the private bedroom of a heterosexual married couple (please read my sarcasm there), that to hear of it in any other context is cause for concern (and comment, obviously). It is no wonder then that Mary’s story should captivate our attention: a pregnant teenager, an unwed mother, a growing belly proof of the transgression.

But let’s back up for a second and wonder if the miracle of Christmas isn’t found in divine conception but is instead found in Joseph’s accountability. It takes two to tango… after all. And though Mary bears the mark of the growing belly, in all probability, Joseph probably had something to do with it too. What if the miracle of grace is that Joseph, “being a righteous man [took responsibility for his actions and married Mary to provide for her and their son]? What if the miracle of love is that the angel of God said to Mary, “Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God [for reasons other than your virginity]? Even if Mary did have sex with Joseph prior to marriage and Mary did conceive and bear a son, then how is the blessing of the angel any different? Still, she is chosen to carry the Christ child, still, blessed is she among women, and blessed is the fruit of her womb.

This reading of the gospel (though probably heretical) is resonating more with me this year. Perhaps because I just survived the first year of my baby’s life, and the only reason I did was because of the people (particularly my husband) who stood beside me during that time. For weeks of struggle with breastfeeding, baby’s weight-gain, postpartum healing, and of course sleepless nights, Aidan supported us in every way that he could. His love manifest in our lives and allowed us to in turn bless others.

When Mary was found to be pregnant, Joseph could have washed his hands of her. Dismissed her. Left her and maintained his reputation. But he didn’t. Maybe the Christmas miracle isn’t in Mary’s virginity, but in Joseph’s resolve. Maybe the scandal of Christmas is that Joseph didn’t let society’s pressures dissuade him from his new calling as husband and as father. Maybe the gift of Christmas is the encouragement to stand up and do what is right even when it’s hard, even when you feel like running away.

Praise be to God who didn’t let Joseph off the hook. Praise be to God who calls us blessed even when society might not. Amen.

Hymns … the words speak

By Betty Hertz

Recently, I completed the course Meditation Through Hymns. Each day the instructor asked us to read the lyrics of the hymn and reflect on the meaning. Then we read the story about what inspired the author to create it. Next, the instructor read the verse four times.  Each time we listened more deeply, starting with our intelligent ears, then our hearts,  our souls, and finally, more profound listening for God. After this, we wrote a reflection. This process introduced me to a new way to focus on the words. Since hymns have often served as prayers for me, learning this technique provides a more powerful way to pray.

I have sung “Just As I Am” many times and have often experienced the feeling of “Really God, you want me?” However, through meditation, I experienced a deeper meaning. Several phrases turned to soul-searching questions.

One dark blot

 “Just as I am and waiting not, to rid my soul of one dark blot” caused me to ask,” what is a dark blot for me today, and what will I do to cleanse it from my soul?” I have a long way to go to achieve perfection,  so I know I have daily “dark blots.” My job is to recognize them and ask for God’s help in getting rid of them.

Many a doubt, within, without

 “Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict and many a doubt, fighting and fears within, without”  raises the question what fear is taking me away from trusting  God? To let go of those fears and doubts, I am reminded of  Isaiah (41:10) and God’s reassurance “Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you.”

Relief

“ Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, and relieve; because thy promise I believe.” What a great reminder! When I turn to God, I receive the gifts of pardon, cleansing, and relief, and with that comes the gift of hope.

Humility

The refrain for each verse is “O Lamb of God, I come, I come,” which humbles me before God and assures me He loves me “Just As I Am.”

Patient and Loving God,

Thank you for the messages we receive through the gift of hymns. When we sing the words with conviction, we feel your presence and guidance. May we always sing spiritually.
Amen.

Betty Hertz is a longtime member of St John UMC, a Stephen Minister and a member of SPRC. When not doing volunteer work, she is playing with her three goofy dogs.

Invitation Accepted

By Betty Hertz

A few weeks ago, I attended the city-wide BBQ put on by the Reconciliation Pastors. I used the mixer questions to meet people other than the white people I knew. What fun!! I sang “Amazing Grace” with one of my new friends. Then I sat at a table for lunch with a group from Lighthouse Church. I didn't even know they existed! As we talked, I learned we shared a common concern … caring for the underserved in our community … the homeless, and the hungry.

John Wesley's words came to mind, "Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?" Another God "wow" moment and a "Thank you, Jesus" moment. As I left, I saw Pastor Parker and told him I would accept the invitation he gave St. John and would be at Shiloh Baptist Church on Sunday.

I went. For the third time that day, I heard the hymn "Great is thy faithfulness" … message heard!! What a great experience at Shiloh. For 20 minutes, music and "praise God" and "Yes, Jesus" rang through the sanctuary. Then three baptisms happened. Above the sanctuary, a door opened, and a tub of water appeared. One at a time, three people confessed their love of God and were baptized by immersion. WOW! Then Pastor Parker started delivering the message by acknowledging he now knew how to preach under 20 minutes as he had given a sermon at St. John the previous Sunday! He talked about "be who God has called you to be." Sound familiar? I know I have heard Andy say those words more than once. Pastor Parker's message from Proverbs 3-5-6: Full throttle until you see the Lord, then brake and hear his word. Then use the green light to spread his word. His question: Are you sitting at the green light but not stepping out?

I plan to visit Shiloh about once a month to feel the congregation's energy, and who knows, maybe I will stand and shout AMEN during a St John sermon!

Loving God,

Thank you for opening my eyes and my ears to other Christians who share a common love of you and share a common love of neighbor. Help me to keep my heart open to ways that I may love and serve you.

Amen.

Betty Hertz is a longtime member of St John UMC, a Stephen Minister and a member of SPRC. When not doing volunteer work, she is playing with her three goofy dogs.

Here Am I

By Betty Hertz

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,

“Whom shall I send?”

And I said, “Here am I; send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

This verse inspired the hymn “Here I am Lord.” Isaiah is answering God’s call to serve even before he knew what that service would be. He shows complete trust the Lord will guide him.

Recently I pondered the chaos in my life. Feeling exhausted and stressed, I visited the St. John prayer room, which I have recently renamed the healing room. I collapsed in the rocking chair and focused on the beautiful cross and, with a huge sigh, said, “Here I am, Lord.” I began to feel a calming presence as I surrendered and decided all would be well. But God had other ideas. So I decided to look at the hymn by that title. As I was singing the hymn, my soul responded to part of the first verse:

“I who make the stars of night

I will make their darkness bright

who will bear my light to them?”

Then as I continued to sing, a part of the refrain caught my attention:

“ I heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.”

My words “here I am Lord” took on a new meaning. Wow, not enough to say here I am but then be reminded the Lord will lead me. The chaotic events remain, but God took my stress and gave me peace.

As I travel to visit a family member who is under Hospice care, I will continue to ask God to give me reminders that He is leading me and will provide me with the words I need.

Patient Father,

Thank you for your calming presence in my life. Thank you for the many times you have helped me surrender to your plan. I know you will continue to guide me if I allow you. In Jesus’ name and through the Holy Spirit. Amen

Betty Hertz is a longtime member of St John UMC, a Stephen Minister and a member of SPRC. When not doing volunteer work, she is playing with her three goofy dogs.

'We are a both/and people'

True devotion, the kind that is pure and faultless before God the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their difficulties and to keep the world from contaminating us. - James 1:27

By Erynne DeVore

It has been really fun to see so many of you (well, see your eyes above those masks!) as you’ve come into St. John for worship the last few weeks. I think it goes without saying that there is certainly something about being in person that feeds our souls in ways virtual experiences can’t. One may or may not necessarily be better or worse than another; they’re just different.

For those of you who don’t know me, I was lucky enough to work with the kiddos and families at St. John for nearly four years and served as a part-time employee and volunteer for years before that. In December I resigned in order to attend an accelerated nursing program. Nursing was something that I was always equally both intrigued and intimidated by. I loved the relationship building, advocacy, education, and caring for the vulnerable that ministry entailed, and for a long time I considered a few career paths (ministry, counseling, law, nursing …) that would encompass those, and for many reasons ultimately settled on nursing. One of the things that appealed to me about nursing was it not only incorporated the things I just mentioned, but has clear evidence-based practices with a commitment to continually research and potentially change practices based off of that research. (What can I say, having clear protocols serves my anxious oldest child type A personality). Nursing has what brings fulfillment and joy to my soul, and satisfaction to my brain and professional being. Both/and.

It seems like we are in a similar both/and space right now. We need the in-person connection and relationship building that being in community brings, and we need to stay safe from COVID-19 with evidence-based practices. We know more than we did 19 months ago when this nightmare began, but we still don’t know enough for many of us to feel safe trusting the recommended practices. I get it. It’s a scary time, and we are still processing the trauma from the beginning of the pandemic. Two things stand out to me when thinking about this:

One, our society is so quick to rush back to “normal.” Again, I get it. We know normal. Normal feels safe. But if we don’t process and heal emotionally from the trauma of not knowing if any of us were safe or would live through this pandemic, while trying to homeschool and learn Zoom and pay the bills, we will not be able to connect in the way that our very beings are designed to connect. It is our job as Jesus followers to recognize the outside world’s desire to go back to “normal”, and to challenge it. Was it really that normal to begin with? What did we learn from the pandemic? Let’s not forget it.

Second, while the practices will evolve as science and research evolves, we have a pretty good idea of what will help. Hand washing. Masks. Staying home while sick. Vaccines. It is with trusting that science, trusting my research, and trusting health experts more educated than I that I am incredibly anxious to be able to get my children vaccinated. Additionally, I was able to participate in vaccine clinics as a part of my nursing clinical hours. They have been my very favorite clinical experiences so far. It was the both/and of nursing for me. When the vaccines first were being discussed, I was extremely hesitant. I did not want to be a guinea pig, and even more than that, I did not want my children to be guinea pigs. Luckily, research tells us we are not guinea pigs. The vaccine is the strongest tool in our tool box that will help us get back to the good, connecting, in person, pre-COVID normal. (And let’s work together to dismantle the power imbalances that were highlighted during 2020 to make sure those things are never considered normal again.)

We are a both/and people. We need each other, in person. It is important to our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. And, we need to keep ourselves and our children and each other safe from this virus that does not discriminate. We have the tools to do both, and thank God for that.

Contact Erynne at edevore1@uprovidence.edu