The words of the prophet Isaiah offer a prophetic vision that Jesus will also claim in his ministry. Likewise, we are called to claim the gift of being fully present with all people – those who mourn, those who grieve, those who have suffered indignity and oppression. Mary’s Song (the Magnificat) is prophetic as well. She claims the overturning of injustice even before it has come to pass. Joy is not the equivalent of happiness, but rather the deep conviction that we are called to be present in the work of bringing about “great thing” – a better world for those who need it most.
This is the third week in our Advent/Christmas series, “The Gift of Being Present.” Worship opened with “Advent Joy – Skit Guys.” Pastor Mary’s message is based on Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; and Luke 1: 46b-55.
The 9:00 and 11:00 am worship services are available in their entirety on YouTube.