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The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Luke 1:26–38

Notes on This Reading

This week, in this year of the lectionary, we shift gospels once again, to read from the Gospel of Luke. Luke is the only gospel writer who tells us the story of the annunciation of the birth of Jesus, news shared by the angel Gabriel. This story provides insight into the character of this courageous young woman who would be called “theotokos,” which means God-bearer. This is a beautiful story about call, and while Mary legitimately asks how this can be, she also responds with powerful words: “Here am I.” The story is full of angels. The word “angel” really means messenger. We’re grateful to Luke for sharing this message.

Questions

1 Have you ever encountered an angel? Have you ever had a spiritual messenger come to you?

2 Why might Mary have been afraid when the angel showed up? That often happens when angels appear, or when God’s message is delivered. Why is that?

3 When have you asked God: “How can this be?”

4 Have you ever had occasion to say: “Here am I” and “Let it be”?