Let it be to me.......

Let's pause in our frantic run-up to the craziness of Christmas celebrations to consider what the so called meek and mild Mary actually said............

Let it be to me according to your Word.

For centuries this phrase has been glossed over; it just sounds so pious, exactly what one would expect a Bible story figure to say.  But what exactly is Mary saying?

Let it be:  ok God, I'm in with this plan.  Mary is not mindlessly going along to get along.  She is not cowed into agreement.  This is now her plan as well.  She will be a partner in this crazy scheme.

Holy God, with you all things are possible?  Then let's see how this 'overshadowing of the Holy Spirit" thing works  out.  We'll know in a couple of months either way. And let's not lose sight of the fact that the 'it' is a child, a son (if the angel has that  right) and it's about to begin life deep within my womb....

.......and yet he will not be like any other living being.  He will be the singular intersection of human and divine.  One of a kind.  A king in a maiden's womb.

according to your Word.....At first glance, we read this as "we will follow the plan as you have laid it out".  God said it; she agrees to it;  let's get this plan  started.  Lord, if this is your plan, then you need to be in charge.  You have a responsibility in this as well.

Because you see, Lord, I am trusting you.  I have no idea how all this is going to turn out; the neighbors are not  going to keep quiet about a pregnancy that comes before the final marriage vows, so I am trusting you.  For these first 9 months, and then for however long it takes for your whole  plan to come into being.

according to your Word.....but even more importantly, Lord, I am trusting that all the promises made by the prophets, all the visions of justice and equity and peace they have painted for us.....Lord, I am trusting that you will not fail us in this.  I am trusting that I will be contributing to the salvation of the people Israel.  Nothing less than what you have promised through the ages will do. I am trusting that your Word will be a Word of hope and life and peace.

Listen to Mary's words once again, Let it be to me according to your  Word........and hear her hope and longing and love and fear and determination and strength.

What were  your words the last time God asked something of you?

"Never happened" you say?

I sincerely doubt that.  Maybe you just didn't recognize the angel.