Mary's Story
An act of worship for Advent written by Una McLean First published in 'Magnet' Winter 2008 |
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Leader to read:
The journey we make through Advent is one of the most amazing journeys of the church year. It encourages us to look back and recognise God who is with people through the ages. It encourages us to look at where we are now, to consider human nature and to prepare for the greatest gift given to humanity in the form of the Christ. Throughout the journey we encounter ordinary people whose lives are caught and woven into an extraordinary story and an eternal plan. In this worship we are encouraged to consider human nature and ordinary lives used in extraordinary ways. |
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Opening carol (of your choice) then pray together:
Throughout the ages – God, found in creation and creativity. Expressed through the words of the prophets, Promises made and kept, Heard in a child's first crying breath. Reflected in every breath, every life. Meet with us as we explore your continuing presence among us. Amen |
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Family Matters
Reader 1 Mary's story: Luke 1:26-38
I was sweeping out the house, helping my mother while she went to feed the chickens in the back yard. I was involved in doing a good job and didn't hear him come in, so it was with quite a start that I found him standing there watching me. I thought he was looking for directions, our house being at the edge of town many strangers stopped to find their way, but he only smiled when I asked him. I felt uneasy - not frightened - just uneasy at his presence and I told him so. The smile didn't change as he greeted me by name, told me I was favoured by God and unfolded the divine plan - a baby. I was shocked, what did he mean? I wasn't even married, betrothed but not yet a wife! Just what was his intention? "My mother is only outside and my father and brothers within shouting distance and I have my broom!" I held it in front of me. He smiled and told me not to worry, but I felt no such anxiety, just a warmth of being enveloped in a love so much bigger than anything I had ever known. This was of God, I was sure of that. I sank to my knees in acceptance of God's will. When I looked again he had gone. But for now he is not my main concern. I have to face the family first and break the news to Mother and Father, they are to be grandparents. I'm not entirely sure this piece of news will be greeted with the greatest jubilation! Now though, I am frightened and worried and anxious and all of those other dreadful feelings at once. I know what they'll say about me, how the fingers will point, and poor, poor Joseph, what will he think? What will he do? |
Reader 2 Joseph's tale: Matthew 1:19-24
Angry is a big enough word for what I felt when she told me. That stuff and nonsense about angels! I felt betrayed, hurt beyond words, alone, exposed, hurting deep inside, bereft, abandoned, washed out and as if the rug under my feet had been jerked away by some divine joker! I wanted out, to get rid of her, pretend I never knew her, do it quietly, even though I didn't want her to be hurt. Conspire to keep things quiet and end the whole business here and now. It was an exhausted sleep when it eventually came, but with the dawn my mind had cleared and I knew that I would stay with her. I would marry her for the baby's sake, give it a name and her a home. I would do it for the sake of a child who had done nothing wrong but just chosen a womb to prepare for life. |
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Carol or Hymn (of your choice)
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Meditation: It was ever thus
Reader lights a candle in the Advent ring at the end of each stanza |
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Reader 3 In an impoverished estate, with UPVC windows and bright facades, A girl is caught because of a desire to be needed, Fingers point and accusations fly. She did it to get the money, trap the boy, escape from here. A candle is lit - then pause Reader 4 Lord, we remember the many young people, young adults and older people too caught in the trap of poverty, addiction or abuse and their need to be loved and cared about. You came to show love in action. May your church family reflect your acceptance of others. Response: Come, O come Immanuel |
Reader 9 In a small town with dusty roads and little hope A girl is caught, the fingers point accusingly, The gossips laugh at her talk of angels, They always know better! A friendly aunt, a loving fiancé ... A candle is lit - then pause Reader 10 Lord, we think of the many occasions when gossip about others has been spread bringing pain and distress in its wake. We recall the part we have played in passing on the message 'out of concern' when our words have added to the burden rather than lifting it. You came to show love in action. May your church family reflect unconditional love and caring concern for others. Response: Come, O come Immanuel. |
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Reader 11 Then later, in the journey through the pain and blood A new face enters the world and greets life, With eyes full of the knowledge and wisdom of the ages. A child is come, Immanuel. The centre candle is lit - then pause Reader 12 Lord, you came in a human form we could understand, showing us love in action. During this journey of advent let us concentrate on the real meaning of light entering the world and on ourselves as reflections of that light, Through our living reactions and actions may others know this Light of the World for themselves. Response: Come, O come Immanuel. |
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Reader 7 Where money is no object and anything is possible a girl is caught through experimentation. Her family hang their heads in shame and shuffle her off to some distant relative to hide until it's over. A candle is lit - then pause Reader 8 Lord, we remember the countless thousands who live rough on the streets and in roofless hostels in our towns and cities, those who have left home and family because of abuse, those who have run away to find a better life only to find themselves adrift in a sea of indifference. You came to show love in action. May your church family reflect your desire to protect and care for others. Response: Come, O come Immanuel. | |
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Reader 5 Amongst other pot-bellied and stick-limbed children, A girl is caught, beaten and brutalised. The gossips point and disbelieve her story. She must be the one to blame. A candle is lit - then pause Reader 6 Lord, we remember those caught in areas of political unrest, tribal disharmony and civil strife; those with no food, poor shelter and where clean water is scarce and disease is rife. You came to show love in action. May your church family reflect your willingness to act on behalf of others. Response: Come, O come Immanuel. |
Carol or Hymn (of your choice)
Blessing: (Leader)
As we travel to meet the celebration of your birth, Guide our thinking, our sharing, our journey, Open our eyes to see you in other people, other situations. Open our hearts to receive and share your love. Amen |
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