As we anticipate and celebrate a God that breaks into our world, a God that draws us near, and draws near to us, “Where has God come near you?”
Sunday, December 06, 2020


In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God...to a virgin..The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:26-30

In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful
In the Lord, I will rejoice
Look to God, do not be afraid
Lift up your voices
The Lord is near
Lift up your voices
The Lord is near
 
In times of both joy and sorrow in my life, I have returned to this simple Taize chant for the comfort of its twin promises: “Do not be afraid;” “The Lord is near.” When my mother called me to tell me that my grandmother was near death, I sang this chant to myself again and again that evening as I cried (and I sang it again as I prepared myself for her funeral this February, almost 5 years later). As my husband rushed us to the hospital for the speedy delivery of our son Wells, born this October and named after my late grandmother, I made this chant my meditation, remembering that God was with me and would watch over us. 
 
I find these promises reflected in the familiar Advent story of the Annunciation. The angel comes to Mary with his astonishing message of salvation through the birth of Immanuel, whom Mary will bear. The angel’s opening greeting to the soon-to-be mother of God is, “The Lord is with you,” followed shortly by “Do not be afraid!” The incredible and unique journey of motherhood that lay ahead of Mary would challenge her on every front and would bring both incredible joy and unimaginable sorrow. This journey began with the promises that God was with her and that she should not fear. 
 
Whatever it is that you are facing as we close this most difficult year, know this--God is with you. Do not be afraid. 

Dear God, help us to feel your presence in times of joy and sorrow, in times of struggle and in times of celebration. We rejoice in your nearness to us. Amen.
 
Whitney Ludvigsen