Jesus promised the “abundant” life in John 10:10.
Sometimes during the holidays, I feel life is too abundant. Too many things to buy. Too many projects to tackle. Too many dinners and parties and gatherings and gifts. Too much to do, too little time.
But perhaps when Jesus spoke of an abundant life, He wasn’t referring to lists and deadlines and busyness. I suspect He was speaking of something more.
A young teenage mother pregnant out of wedlock is an unlikely candidate to teach us about the abundant life. I imagine her teaching us about the stressed life or the overwhelmed life or the scared life, but instead she teaches us how to live fuller, more beautiful lives.
The mother of Jesus laid hold of this something more.
On receiving the news she will become impregnated by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary identifies herself as the Lord’s servant.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38, NIV)
She acknowledges and embraces the deepest truth of what it means to be human—created for God and belonging to God. In the process, Mary reveals:
The best way to receive the fullness of life is to give yourself away.
The word Mary selects to describe herself is the word “servant” and in Greek can be translated “slave.”
In calling herself a servant-slave, Mary attributes the Lord as the exalted one. She confesses her commitment to God as a humble servant-slave who will serve with great love and loyalty.
The term, “the Lord’s slave” has deep roots. It’s used to describe David (Psalm 35:1), Joshua (Judges 2:8) and Israel (Isaiah 41:8-9; 44:21). In taking on this title, Mary represents what God called Israel to become.
In this one statement, a teenager sets the world’s posture toward service on its head.
Mary isn’t searching for autonomy or control, but a new relationship with God.
The angel did not come to demand obedience with punitive devices. Mary is not repaying a debt, nor did she lead a rebellion, nor was she a captured prisoner of war. She doesn’t experience the more common avenues of slavery.
Yet she submits herself as a servant of the Lord, a slave of the Lord in God’s redemptive plan.
Mary gives us a powerful gift this Advent as she embraces the purpose of true humanity.
If you want to get a full life, give yourself away.
Question for Reflection: How do you describe your posture toward God this Advent season?
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