Advent Reflections: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Bishop Terry White The Collect

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lessons

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Canticle 3 or Canticle 15 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16: 25-27; Luke 1: 26-38

The Meditation

Hymn #618 Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones includes these words: O higher than the cherubim, more glorious than the seraphim, lead their praises, Alleluia! Thou bearer of the eternal Word, most gracious, magnify the Lord. Alleluia!

Mary models for every baptized believer complete trust in God: I am the servant, the slave of the Lord. Gabriel's visit to Mary is a unique event. Yet in ways too many to number, the Lord of all is truly present in our lives and our world, at all times, in all places. God's many messengers come to us, and to the Church, inviting us to say "yes" to building the reign of the Son of God, the Prince of Peace in our lives and neighborhoods.

I am the slave of the Lord. Mary's yes required devotion, commitment, sacrifice, and a joyful spirit. Mary truly is the God bearer. By God's grace, we all can be as well.

The Rt. Rev. Terry A. White
Bishop

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