A theme that caries from Advent through Christmastide is that of motherhood. While this is most commonly discussed in relation to the Virgin Mary and her older cousin Elizabeth, the entire birth narrative of Jesus invites us to ponder God’s motherly attributes as well.
Elizabeth’s miraculous birth opens the Advent season. At an elderly age, God ordains that she shall give birth to a son, John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for the Messiah. Specifically, he will encourage people to turn away from selfish sinfulness and to instead develop a lifestyle of personal sacrifice and significance for the glory of God.
Meanwhile, the Virgin Mary is called upon by God to bear the Messiah, by the power of the Holy Spirit, before she is even married to her husband. Despite likely understanding this will not be an easy task, she does so with an open, eager willingness. After many twists and turns, trials and tribulations, she gives birth to Jesus.
Both of these women, after giving birth, go on to raise their two children in such a way that they go on to confidently live out their destinies and unique callings. The biblical text does not give a lot of insight into the childrearing years of Jesus and John, yet we know from the glimpses we do have that their mothers were confident their children could do great things.
When Mary and Elizabeth are together, they rejoice over their miraculous births and Mary sings a song of hope, vocalizing the desires she has for her beloved son. Together these mothers anticipate how their kids will grow up to turn the world upside down and bring about a better future. (Luke 1:39-55)
Similarly God is hovering over us as our Heavenly Mother, singing songs of hope for us, that we too will change the world in new, unexpected ways.
And, speaking of the unexpected, we also know that the world their kids brought forth happened in a way that neither Mary or Elizabeth could have fully fathomed. John is beheaded and Jesus is crucified on the cross. (This theme of the unexpected will be one that goes with us into the Epiphany and Lent seasons of the Church Calendar.) Yet, the song of hope that was passed to them by their mothers continued on even after their earthly times.
So, we too trust in a Motherly God of hope and encouragement, who sings wondrous songs through us, that we may birth a new world.
Relevant Reformation 