A ten-year old, who was becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible because of her grandmother’s teaching, asked her grandmother: “Which Virgin was the mother of Jesus? The Virgin Mary or the King James Virgin?”
Perhaps another Advent issue is that we may hear all the words but do not understand. It was Benjamin Franklin who enquired, “How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, his precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.”
In Isaiah 7:14 we read “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
‘Immanuel' - a mantra for Advent and Christmas prayer. If we speak it from the heart we are in touch with God who is near. In our faith in the mystery - Emmanuel, God is with us - we are close to God who is present in our hearts. God is as near as the air we breathe. With each breath in prayer, just say ‘Emmanuel'. It is our Christmas welcome to the child who is our God.
Immanuel, God with us;
In muscle and sinew, breath and bone.
In vulnerability and risk, escape and refuge.
In parable and healing, encounter and sign.
In suffering and death, word became flesh.
In resurrection, ascension, and spirit come down.
In justice and grace, patience and peace.
Immanuel, God with us,
Creator, Son and Spirit.
Glory be to God. Amen.
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