Suggested Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38
Suggested Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38
The future is typically disorienting to us as humans because it is unknown. Contemplating the future, including the changes that it may bring, often leads to fear—sometimes paralyzing fear. That is why some version of the phrase “be not afraid” is the most frequently recurring phrase in the Bible.
Mary’s situation in Luke 1 is no different, intensified by the announcement that she is going to give birth to Jesus, the Son of God, the one foretold to her people. When Mary is troubled by the news, especially because she is a virgin, the angel reassures her not to be afraid. This is Good News indeed!
This new development for Mary is also the best news that humanity could possibly receive, the news of God’s love becoming flesh in the baby Jesus. Mary first discovers this as good news for her people, the Jews, who have been awaiting the Messiah and the transformation promised with the Messiah’s advent.
Our passage from Romans reveals, in a letter after Jesus’s resurrection, the powerful Good News that this is for Gentiles as well as Jews. The Advent of Jesus Christ is the pivot on which all history depends, the revelation of the love of God for all.
Both passages conclude with praise – the reassuring words of Mary’s assent and the praise of God in Romans: “to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” The story of Scripture is from fear to faith, from uncertainty about the future to trust in the gracious and faithful love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Further, both passages reveal that the newness of the Advent of Jesus Christ is a fulfillment of the past. The innovative future that Christ brings is integrally connected to the promises of the past that are now fulfilled, illuminating our world and our lives in the present. As such, we need not be marked by fear: we can practice what I call “traditioned innovation.” Traditioned innovation is a practice of focusing innovatively on a creative future that is deeply connected to the best of our past. Theologically, it involves us trusting the Holy Spirit, who is “making all things new,” by conforming to Christ—the one in whom, John 1 and Colossians 1 reveal, Creation came to be.
As followers of Christ, we should not be afraid. We can trust that, in the light of Christ, God’s promises are fulfilled and we are drawn to a future being guided by the Holy Spirit. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. And that inspires us to faithful witness and leadership. Thanks be to God for the gift of Jesus Christ to us and to the world!
L. Gregory Jones
