Advent Reflection Week 3

When Elizabeth felt her unborn child leap in her womb, she was able to see beyond the depths of the normal human eye. To see deeper into the person of her beloved cousin, into the hidden life-giving realms of motherhood. To sense the glory that this unique baby contains. To perceive the glory that Mary’s ‘Yes’ had bestowed upon this young naive and yet wisest of women.

Elizabeth, who was already blessed by the miracle of her own conception after so many decades of hope. Elizabeth, who already thought she knew the amazing glory of God in her own twilight years. Elizabeth, who is now confronted with an even greater glory. The glory of the promised salvation of humanity. All the glory of God held into a developing human foetus. All the glory of God lent to her young relative for nine months of incubation.

Elizabeth cannot contain her joyous reaction. Elizabeth cries out with a loud voice. Elizabeth proclaims God’s blessing on Mary which is so clearly viable to her. Elizabeth wants the world to know how special and glorious Mary is, how precious and miraculous is the fruit of her womb. But the world is not ready to hear. The world is not ready to turn aside and catch a glimpse of the glory. The world is perfectly happy to be distracted from eternity by the glitter of the here and now.

So, this week as you find yourself caught up in the anxiety of preparation for the Christmas season. When you feel anxious that you cannot afford either monetarily or time to create the perfect celebration. Take some time to experience a bit of the awesome joy of Elizabeth as she danced and sang declared in a loud voice – Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

With all my love and prayers this Advent time

Revd Sandra

Visitation (4)

No men were speaking

Zechariah had been silenced

Joseph was far distant

Into the broad vista of the Judean hills she had travelled,

the two women’s voices rained.

It was a bursting forth of speech

a celebration of flesh

Bodies as well as mouths

cried out God’s liberation:

redemption of centuries of paralysis

a release of feminine dumbness

They needed no male approval

or priestly authorisation

Woman to woman

they heard each other into speech

The Spirit leapt in their mouths

the prophets proclaimed

Nicola Slee