Today we remember Mary – innocent and powerful, sacred and scared, worried and waiting as the Savior for all the world grows in her womb. She sings boldly when she might be meek; she bears her role in history with the confidence of a warrior; she is the beginning of a mighty revolution as the proud are brought down and the lowly are lifted up. Hear now these words from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 47-55.

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, Abraham and to his descendants forever.’”

On this third Sunday of Advent, we light this candle of joy as a symbol of Mary, the one who rejoiced in the Lord, the mother of God, bearer of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Lord, We give thanks for the Marys among us who step out of the roles that society has planned. Those unintended pioneers, determined to do as God asks, fearless and fearfully stepping out in faith, and beckoning us to do the same. We give thanks for our barrier-breaking savior, who became like us to redeem and restore us, and to turn the world upside down. May we continue this work, responding with joy like Mary. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.