Sunday 24 December 2017

Psalm: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

Background

One of the interesting aspects of Gospel of Luke’s account of the Annunciation (from Latin ‘annuntiatio’ meaning the announcement of something) is the different foci that it attracts. Should the attention be on Mary being described as a virgin? On the angel Gabriel? On the news of the Son of God or on Mary’s response?

For many, acceptance of the Virgin Birth is used as a litmus test for Christianity (cue fond memories of the West Wing Shibboleth episode in which the President has to determine the authenticity of the faith of some Chinese asylum seekers). While the Gospels of Matthew and Luke both refer to Mary as a virgin, this seems to come from the Greek translation of Isaiah 7:14 that they both used. English translations of Isaiah are now divided. Some translate the word in Isaiah as “young woman”, others continue with the virgin tradition (although often with a footnote). Perhaps it isn’t particularly helpful to check for authentic faith based on an uncertain translation even if part of a long tradition.

Angels perhaps appear less in Scripture (particularly the New Testament) than they do in modern culture (such as the frequent references to guardian angels, or to loved ones acting as angels). Here their role is as a messenger, which is especially rare in cultures around us. It is also interesting to note how playing the role of an angel has become so exclusively a female stereotype in contrast to Scripture.

The heart of the passage though is the news that Gabriel brings to Mary and her response.

The Christian story is God becoming human in Jesus, born as a vulnerable baby: all that Gabriel tells Mary of Jesus is then interpreted by Christians in the light of the rest of the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. That wider context is critical to understanding verse 32 for there is often a temptation towards human power and achievement (with “great” and “throne” supporting that), yet we continually see the way of Jesus to be very different. This difference is shown in Mary’s response which rejects seeking human honour and glory for choosing to follow God’s costly, self-sacrificing way of love.

To Ponder

• How do you feel about Mary’s response to the message? Why?
• What litmus test do you use (privately or publicly) to consider ‘authentic Christianity’?
• What are the most important things about the coming of Jesus for you? Why?