Fourth Sunday in Advent

Due to our extreme winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest, many were unable to even get their cars out of their driveways in order to make it in to yesterday's services. But Rev. Bill Maxwell saved the day by trekking through our snow-filled roads! In today's gospel Luke tells us the story of Mary's unexpected visit from the Angel of the Lord. She had much to ponder after he left. Perhaps these were some of her thoughts?

Young Mary
I know not all of that which I contain.
I'm small; I'm young; I fear the pain.
All is surprise: I am to be a mother.
That Holy Thing within me
and no other
is Heaven's King whose lovely
Love will reign.
My pain, his gaining my eternal gain
my fragile body holds Creation's Light.
its smallness shelters God's unbounded might.
The angel came and gave,
did not explain,

I know not all of that which I contain.

from The Ordering of Love,
The new and collected poems of Madeleine L'Engle