Savior of the Nations, Come (v. 3-4)

Attr. Ambrose of Milan (340-397)

Here a maid was found with child,

Yet remained a virgin mild.

In her womb this truth was shown.

God was there upon His throne.

Then stepped for the Lord of all

From His pure and kingly hall;

God of God, yet fully man,

His heroic course began.

Dear Mary, the blessed virgin, who is rightly known as the Mother of God, is a glorious example of faith. She heard God’s message through Gabriel. It was a life-changing and dangerous message. Everything would change. She would have to explain to Joseph. She would bear scorn and whispers in her community. Nevertheless, she declared, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38) God blessed her, and within her grew God, the Son of God, the Savior of the nations.

Mary’s virginity is essential to this miracle of Jesus’ birth. Remember that she, herself, asked, “How can this be?” (Lk 1:34)  It is a question worth asking. Others have asked and decided that such things as virgin births cannot happen, and they lose the miracle. We, however, do well to heed Gabriel’s words, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Lk 1:37)

               Nothing is impossible with God, so through contractions, pushing, labor, and delivery, the Lord of all is born. What nobility Christ’s birth gives to every birth! This is how the Savior comes to us, God of God, yet fully human in every way. It is a turning point, a moment of hope and light in the darkness, in the history of the world.

Prayer

               Father in Heaven, we thank and praise You for Mary. We rejoice in her faith and obedience, and in awe we worship her Son, Who is also Your Son, Jesus. How can this child be God and human? How does a virgin conceive and give birth? We do not understand! But we believe, for nothing will be impossible with You. Prepare us to welcome our King, O Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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As you marvel at how God has come to you in the Jesus' miraculous birth, take a moment to consider how God comes to others through the simple act of speech. Someone speaks to another and shares the message of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection, and God uses that action to create faith in that person. 

This is the work that Lutheran Campus Ministry of Kent (LCMK) is engaged in. In this past semester, three people were baptized through this ministry. It seems to me that a worthy way to celebrate Jesus coming to you would be to help others hear of Him, too. Please pray for LCMK that God would bless their work. And if you have the where-with-all, please make a donation to support their work. You can learn more about them (and donate) here https://kentstatelutherhouse.org/.