Saturday 08 September 2007

Background

Although many Methodists probably let it go by unnoticed, onthis day in the church year, the nativity of the Virgin Mary isremembered. Her birth has been celebrated by the Church since thesixth century, as part of the veneration given to her as mother ofJesus. There is no information in the gospels about Mary's veryearly life, and the Church's earliest traditions about herchildhood and parenthood are found in the second century apocryphalGospel of St James. 

In line with this week's focus on humility, Mary can be seen assomeone who humbly accepted the will of God. "Here am I" she said,"the servant of the Lord" (v. 38). 

Some Methodist churches hold Covenant services at this time ofyear, and there are echoes of Mary's words in the classic prayer ofcommitment: 

"I am no longer my own, but yours.
Your will, not mine, be done in all things." 

In today's passage, Mary visits Elizabeth, soon to become themother of John the Baptist, and Elizabeth exclaims the words whichhave become associated with Mary down the centuries: "Blessed areyou among women". Luke includes several songs when he tells thestories about the birth of Jesus. In her song, Mary begins bypraising God. 

The humble person will seek to glorify God, rather thanthemselves.

To Ponder

How can we know if God has a purpose for ourlives?

What can we learn from the humility of Mary inaccepting God's purposes?