Anna- Woman of Blessedness, Happiness, and History; Sermon for Dec 29, 2024

 

Rev. George Miller

Dec 29, 2024

Luke 2:21-38

 

When we read the Gospels, we get to experience Jesus from at least 4 different writers living during 4 different eras.

 

The Gospel of Luke reads as if it is written by someone with the luxury of time and observation.

 

The author appears to be fascinated with meals, miracles, the prayer life of Jesus and how he interacts with women.

 

Luke takes time telling us about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

 

He writes as someone who knows all about his people’s past and has confidence in their future.

 

Luke is someone who believes in tomorrow.

 

Because of this, Luke makes references to the matriarchs and patriarchs of our faith, such as today’s story of the baby Jesus being presented in the Temple.

 

Like a faithful Jew, Mary has her son circumcised 8 days after he is born.  Six weeks later she presents him in the Temple, where two Elders acknowledge that he is the Messiah.

 

There is Simeon who waited his whole life for such a day.

 

There is Anna, a woman who has devoted her whole life to worship and praise.

 

She not only celebrates God, but she tells all those she meets that redemption has come to the people. 

 

At 84 Anna becomes one of the first evangelists.  Who is this Anna?

 

Through bits of detail, Luke gives rich information, helping us to realize how awesome Anna is.

 

She is the daughter of Phanuel, a member of the Asher tribe.  Phanuel means “The Face Of God.”

 

Phanuel is also the name of one of the angels said to stand before God; the angel of repentance and hope for those who inherit salvation.

 

So…Anna is the daughter of a man who’s named after the angel of repentance, hope and salvation, who’s name means “Face of God.”

 

No wonder Anna had the honor of seeing Jesus and to recognize that he is the One who will redeem the people.

 

Anna was part of the tribe of Asher. Asher was the son of Jacob and means “Happy.”

 

When Asher was born, Jacob’s wife said “Happy am I, for daughters will call me happy.”

 

In other words- Anna is a member of the Happy Tribe.

 

Imagine how happy Anna must’ve been when she saw the baby Jesus.

 

But there’s more. Asher was given a blessing that he shall have tasty bread and treats.

 

The tribe of Asher had land on the west coast of Israel, the most fertile of soil, with rich pastures and prosperous orchards.

 

The Tribe of Asher was known for their olive oil and were the suppliers of  oil used in Temple ceremonies.

 

In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses says “Most blessed be Asher, may he be the favorite of brothers and may he dip his foot in oil.” (33:24)

 

Not only is Anna the daughter of Phanuel-The Face of God, she is the descendant of Happiness, and she belongs to the tribe that was responsible for the Temple’s oil and considered the most blessed..

 

Can we see just how awesome Anna is?

 

Anna, the descendant of happiness, blessedness, and anointing gets to see the Christ-child with her own eyes, praise God, and tell all she knew about Jesus!

 

But there’s more.  Since Asher’s mother was a servant, there’s a chance she was not an Israelite and of a different ethnicity.

 

In today’s terminology, there’s a chance that Anna and her family were mixed, with biological lineage tied to someone who was once a slave.

 

Second, the tribe of Asher was considered one the “Lost Tribes of Isreal” that had split from the south.

 

So now, we have a richer understanding of who Anna is, and how special her encounter with Jesus is.

 

She is the daughter of a man named “The Face of God.”

 

Her great ancestor was once a slave.

 

She is descended from “Happiness,” a child of mixed heritage who was called most blessed of all.

 

Anna comes from people who lived on fertile ground, providing oil for the Temple, and once considered lost.

 

 

This isn’t just the story of an old widow who sees Baby Jesus and praises his name.

 

This is the story of a survivor.  This is the story of someone whose ancestors experienced great blessings and great tragedies.

 

This is the story of someone whose family was different; a woman born out of the hope of repentance and salvation.

 

Anna is basically the Biblical narrative condensed into one person.

 

Therefor, Anna is all us of us.

 

Anna may not have a lot of space in today’s story; but in some ways Anna IS the story.

 

Anna is anyone who knows what it is like to have loved and to lost.

 

Anna is anyone who knows what it is like to be alone, but not feel lonely.

 

Anna is anyone who is different.  Anna is anyone who has come across hard, unexpected times.

 

Anna is anyone who dares to hold on to the promise that there is still hope, there is still happiness.

 

Anna is anyone who knows what it is like to wait…and wait…and wait some more.

 

Anna is YOU; Anna is I; Anna is US.

 

Like Anna, we are the children of Blessedness, we are the Children of Happiness, we are the children of fertile ground.

 

Which means we are all Children of Possibility.

 

And as Descendants of the Christmas Story, we know that in Jesus, we have seen The Face of God.

 

For that, we can say “Amen.”

Christmas Morning Message; Dec 25, 2024

 

Rev. George Miller

Dec 25, 2024

Luke 2:8-20

 

Today we gather on this special moment- Christmas Morning.

 

Mary has bravely accepted the invitation from Garbriel to give birth to the Son of God.

 

Joseph has stayed by her side and together they made the pilgrimage to Bethlehem where she gave birth to the Holiest of Children, and lovingly swaddled him in cloth.

 

The babe in the manger is here, and with his birth is the promise of a new kind of life, a life eternal, a life of peace, in which nothing is impossible with the Lord.

 

Christmas Day is here, and we are gathered to celebrate, to remember, to look at what God has done.

 

And what God has done does not involve a child born to an earthly king, or the son of a wealthy CEO, or a gladiator with an iron sword.

 

But a child, a baby, so delicate, so vulnerable.

 

As psychoanalyst Carl Jung states “Anything new, any promising beginning, is in a fragile condition and needs special care and special protection.”

 

And that is just what Baby Jesus is, and care is exactly what he receives from Mary and Joseph.

 

Since Jesus, the Son of God, arrives to us so fragile, so in need to protection, it makes sense that angels would appear to the shepherds to give them the good news of the Messiah’s birth.

 

For as watches over the flocks, they knew exactly what it meant to watch over and care for that which is vulnerable and fragile, as they cared for the sheep and their lambs late at night, when they were easy victims to predators, marauders, and the elements.

 

But also- the shepherds themselves were vulnerable.  Back then, they would be seen as one of the lowest members of society.

 

They were the nightshift workers who did the job that not many wanted to do, out in the cold, surrounded by dark, often alone and without human company.

 

They were the physical laborers, the ones whose job went unappreciated, who most people would never listen to for wisdom or advice.

 

And yet- the shepherds are who God chooses to reveal the Christmas News to. 

 

They are the ones who the multitude of angels appear, sing and bedazzle with their words “Glory to God in the highest heaven.  And on earth peace and good will among people.”

 

And the shepherds, these hard-working night shift workers are the ones who are told to go where the baby is wrapped in bands of cloth.

 

The shepherds are the ones who get to the manger, see the Christ-child laying there, who get to tell Mary and Joseph all they know.

 

What’s so fascinating is that back in their day, if the emperor had a child, there would be poets and public speakers at the palace to sings their songs and offer their praises to the royal infant.

 

But here, in the humble manger, with very humble parents, these late night, hardworking, often looked down upon and underappreciated shepherds are the ones who get to stand before the son of God.

 

They are the ones who get to speak and share the words they heard the angels sing.

 

In doing so, the shepherds become the first Evangelizers of our faith, and our world will never be the same.

 

Today is Christmas, and we get to be in this moment, once again, realizing just how much Jesus came to change our world.

 

How Mary, as a woman, became the first to participate knowingly and willingly in God’s future announced to her.

 

How the shepherds, who were so often looked down upon and feared, were the ones to first evangelize.

 

How the Son of God did not come to us as the child of an emperor or a warrior or a famous celebrity, but that Jesus came just as we all did-

 

Fragile, vulnerable, in need of care.  And for that, we can say “Amen.”

Bravery of Mary; Luke 1:26-38

 

Rev. George Miller

Dec 22, 2024

Luke 1:26-38

 

Last month, our Pre-School had a book fair in which they sold “You’re So Brave”, featuring Biblical characters like Daneil and Deborah

 

Fitting, as it’s a theme we’ve been talking about. 

 

On the chapter about Mary, the author writes “One day, an angel came to Mary and said ‘God is giving you a special job…”

 

“Mary didn’t say, ‘That’s crazy!” or ‘I can’t do that!’…No, Mary was brave enough to trust God.  She wanted to obey Him.  Right away she said , ‘I’m ready to serve God.’”

 

There’s a major error in this telling- Mary didn’t respond right away with “I’m ready.”  Mary actually did question and ponder.

 

The author of this kids-book creates an image of Mary as someone who immediately acted with blind faith and said “Yes”.

 

But Luke tells us that Mary was perplexed, she asked “How can this be?” and only after some time, conversation, and further information, did Mary say “Here I am; let it be.”

 

Luke’s version does not make Mary any less brave, any less a hero, any less a person of faith. 

 

Luke’s version doesn’t change the fact that Mary was still brave or that she answered the call.  In some ways Luke’s version makes Mary more….human.

 

For 2,000 years Mary has played a special role in people’s faith.  Some folk try to portray her as so perfect, so demure, so gentle.

 

In the kids’ book, the image of Mary is someone who doesn’t take a moment to think, question, or seek clarity, but immediately says “I’m ready.”

 

In my opinion, how unfair this image is to present to children, especially little girls. 

 

This notion that faith doesn’t leave room for wonder or involve conscious decision making.

 

Mary does these things, and it doesn’t make her any less brave.

 

As Luke 1 tells us, Gabriel the angel comes to Mary, saying “Greetings favored one!”

 

Mary is perplexed.  As well as she should be.  Who in a healthy mindset expects to have an unexpected encounter with a celestial being?

 

Mary begins to ponder what kind of salutation this might be.  The word “ponder” can indicate that Mary was confused. 

 

One person at Bible Study used the word “curiosity” and how being curious allows us to think about potential.

 

In many ways, if Mary pondered and was curious, there is a good chance that part of her did say “That’s crazy!”

 

When the angel says “do not be afraid,” it indicates that Mary was indeed feeling some sort of emotion and needed calming validation.

 

How many of us can relate to this moment- having an unexpected opportunity or situation come your way, in which there is a decision to be made, one that can change the direction of your life, and how scary this can be?

 

Gabriel must have sensed this, because the angel goes on with information and the Biblical reminder that “Nothing will be impossible with the Lord.”

 

Who knows how long this conversation took place?

 

Do you think this sequence of events was within minutes, as written?  Could it have taken an hour or more, with Mary really pondering and thinking hard?

 

Is it possible this may have taken days of discussion, reflection and the author shortened it to speed things up?

 

How we view this narrative arc can shape how we see our own faith experience.

 

Is our faith and relationship with God about immediate actions that involve blind trust only?

 

Or does our relationship with God allow space to take our time, to think things through, to ask, ponder, wonder, to feel a whole sort of emotions from fear to joy to sadness to fearlessness?

 

I think Mary is very human; that she was someone who was astute, aware, and very brave.

 

Which leads us to another part of today’s reading, one we may not have thought about before.

 

Mary has an experience with Gabriel.  Gabriel means “The Lord’s Strength.”

 

She ponders, accepts, she says “Let it be.”  Then Gabriel, or “The Lord’s Strength” departs.

 

Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, staying for 3 months.  When 9 months pregnant, she and Joseph make their way to Bethlehem.

 

Mary gives birth to the promised child, wraps him in swaddling cloth and places him in a manger.

 

As far as we know…there is no angel present.  As far as we know, Gabriel did not visit her again; there were no additional words from the heavens.

 

Sure, angelic news come to shepherds, but we’re not told angels were at the manger.

 

As far as we know, after the angel departs, it is just Mary, her time with Elizabeth, with Joseph, with baby Jesus, but no mention of an angelic advice afterwards.

 

Which may indicate that while Mary’s calling began with a heavenly interlude, everything else she accomplished, she did through her own inner strength, her own faith, and trust in God.

 

THAT was certainly an act of trust; an act of belief.  It is one thing to say “Let it be” when an angel called “The Lord’s Strength” is in front of you-  

 

it is another thing to say “Let it be done” when it’s just you, your day-to-day existence, and life is moving around you.

 

Maybe the bravery in Mary is not so much that she said “Here am I, servant of the Lord,”  Maybe the bravery is that although Mary was perplexed, afraid, pondered, needed reassurance, she still said “yes,” and-

 

even without an angelic presence afterwards, Mary saw it through- she did it, she lived it, she faced the opportunity before of her.

 

Mary showed faith even when angels were absent.  In the absence of angels, Mary found a way to be strong.

 

That’s bravery- to participate in God’s story and the Kingdom of Heaven even when we feel confused or curious.

 

As we move closer to Christmas, may we continue to find ways to be inspired by the people who shaped Jesus’s life and play a part in the Family of God.

 

Mary is indeed a wonderful role model for us to glean wisdom from and learn about.

 

And to be reminded of what it is like to be brave and what it is like to be present, especially when the mystery of the season surrounds us.

 

Amen and amen.

Bravery in Our Daily Routines; Daniel 6:6-14

 

Rev. George Miller

Dec 1, 2024

Daniel 6:6-14

 

It is officially Christmas Season.

 

Macy’s had their parade.  Black Friday shoppers have shopped.

Elvis and Mariah are on the radio.

 

Part of the Christmas tradition are the shows and movies – “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Home Alone” and of course, “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer,” whose nose was so bright he was asked to guide the sleigh tonight.

 

But…as you grow older, has anyone begun to have a different take on Rudolph?

 

We are told that because his nose glowed, all the other reindeer would not let him play or engage in their games.

 

However- could there be something else happening?

 

Could it be that Rudolph shined so bright, so beautiful, that the other reindeer were jealous of him, and their teasing was an expression of their own insecurities?

 

Sometimes the lights that shine the brightest are the ones that are put out, which may be part of what is going on in today’s reading and why Daniel ended up in that lion’s den.

 

First- some history to help us understand the story.

 

Once upon a time, Isreal was a united nation, lead by King David and his son Solomon.

 

But over time, the north split from the south.

 

The north was attacked and taken over by the Assyrians, which made the south, known as Judah, so so vulnerable to other nations.

 

Eventually Judah was attacked by the Babylonians.  They did this in 3 steps.

 

1^st, Babylon attacked Judah in 597 BCE and took their best and brightest people as captives.

 

Then in 586, they attacked Judah again, this time not only did they take the best and brightest away in captivity, but they destroyed the city, including the Temple.

 

5 years later, they came back to the ruined city and took a 3^rd group of the best and brightest.

 

Think of the mixed emotions this caused-  Either you were considered good enough to be taken captive and made to live 800 miles away in Babylon, or you were considered not good enough to be captured and had to live amongst the ruins.

 

Daniel was among the first of the people taken into Exile, living in Babylon for the next 50 years, in which Persia became the next power nation and took over Babylon.

 

So now Daniel is 800 miles away in Babylon, under Persian rule…but his heart still belongs to Judah and to the Jewish God.

 

Daniel is smart and faithful and he’s good at what he does, so much so that he receives praise and care from the palace master.

 

Soon he gets in good with the King.  He is promoted to ruling over the province of Babylon, made chief prefect over their wise men.

 

Here Daniel is in a strange land that worships another god, and somehow he is able to stay true to who he is, his faith in God, maintain his spirit, keep his hopes in Jerusalem, and be a vital asset to the king.

 

In other words- his nose is shining sooo bright and the king is ready to give him more power.

 

Which makes all his peers jealous.  The prefects, presidents, governors just can’t stand him. 

 

There is nothing they can write him up for or criticize him, so they arrive at an idea.

 

Knowing that Daniel is a faithful, praying man who continues to keep his faith in the Lord, they come to the king and say:

 

“Hey- you should create a law- anyone who prays to anyone or anything but you should be cast into the lions den.”

 

This must have appealed to the King’s ego, because he immediately says yes, signing an irrevocable law that bans anyone from showing their allegiance to anyone or thing but him.

 

But Daniel…although Daniel knew about this law, he continued to go to his house, with its open windows, and pray to God three times a day.

 

It is basically an act of non-violent disobedience in which Daniel uses prayer and staying true to who he is as a form of dissent.

 

Verse 10 is fascinating and is interpreted in different ways.

 

Some people say that Daniel is being very deliberate.

 

They imagine that in a brazen act of disobedience he marched up the stairs, boldly threw open the windows for all to see and prayed without apology.

 

Then there are others who read verse 10 with another take-

 

Daniel simply continued his daily practice of doing what he always does, simply doing what he has done every day for years.

 

Some say he is not seeking attention or being a martyr, he is simply giving thanks, staying obedient, and being steady even if the world seems to be in chaos.

 

There are those who say that Daniel could have prayed, just done it in a different time, a different place, a different pose, making him still faithful to God, but less conspicuous.

 

But others see Daniel’s actions as a form of dissent in which he uses his body, quietly prays, and humbles himself on his knees, a very vulnerable position.

 

No matter how we interpret verse 10, be it that Daniel is brazen or that Daniel is simply following ritual, it is clear that Daniel is brave.

 

And in doing so he joins the ranks of those like Hagar,  Hannah, Miriam and the Widow.

 

Instead of starvation, barrenness, or the wilderness, Daniel is facing the threat of death head on, and he does so with grace, humility, and his usual day to day activity.

 

So often we focus on the lion’s den, on the miraculous act of God, but today we look at Daniel to see how a brother-in-faith, a fellow believer acted when faced with adversity.

 

To lift up and to celebrate that sometimes it is not the huge acts that show the most faith and courage.

 

Sometimes it is not the big demonstrations or shows of grandeur that say the most.

 

Sometimes it is the small, every day things we do that show our faith and demonstrates our trust in the Lord.

 

In some ways, that is what the Christmas season is about.

 

That here we are, heading into the darkest, longest night of the year, and some of the coldest,

 

and we are putting up our lights, buying our gifts, making our 20 different sets of Christmas cookies to say-

 

“Even though things are dark, even though things feel cold, even though we do not know what 2025 has in store, this is how we have hope, this is how we show our belief, this is how we demonstrate that life goes on.”

 

There is so much power in knowing that during the bleakest time of the year, we get together and anticipate Emmanuel- God With Us.

 

It is a beautiful thing that amidst all that has taken place and will take place, we find ways to say that we are preparing to welcome the Lord.

 

Not the Lord of Persia or the Lord of Babylon, but the Lord of the World- Jesus Christ.

 

This year, let us think that with every card we send, every gift we wrap, every Carol we sing, it is a sign of our faith, a sign of our belief in God, and a way in which we are true to our identity.

 

God has such a wonderful way of working through people, places, situations, and working through us.

 

This season, like Daniel, like Rudolph, may we each find a way to shine; a way to show forth our own uniqueness, our own bravery,

 

and God’s life-affirming presence throughout Creation.

 

For that, let us say “Amen.”