End or beginning?

In 2 days time, it will be 21st December! 

Nothing surprising about that, except for the much discussed 'end of the world' predictions from some people.

Apparently, the very ancient Mayan community had developed a calendar, which went round & round. The end of one cycle was set to be on 21 December 2012 (on our calendar, not theirs!) 

But it was never expected to be an end, only a new beginning.

For us, 21st December, being the shortest day in the Northern hemisphere, is the beginning of the journey towards longer days and summer (again). So even in our modern world, December 21st is both an end to shorter days and the beginning towards longer ones.

Within the story of the promise to Mary, from Gabriel, about the coming pregnancy and birth, there is a most startling verse, which reveals both an end and a beginning.

'Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.' (Luke 1.38)

Confronted by the prospect of her life being completely turned upside down - all her plans for a future life in relative obscurity and simplicity reshaped in a moment - Mary doesn't linger long on grieving for the end she has just encountered. Instead, she grasps the new beginning with both hands, in profound and life-changing trust.

As the story unfolds, we read of Mary thinking deeply about what is taking place within and around her. She isn't uninvolved in playing her part, as though her own contribution was unimportant. She is fully and actively committed to playing her part to the full. But what she has learned is that hers is an active partnership with the God who is sending Jesus into the world. Gabriel has just told her 'For nothing is impossible with God.' (Luke 1.37), and she takes this promise as defining for her own future.

For all of us, every day is both an end and a beginning. 

Every day presents us with the prospect of trusting God to work out his will and purpose in and  through us. He longs for our active partnership with him. Can we, like Mary, say, 'I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” ?

Best wishes,

Richard