December 17

God has shown strength with God’s arm; and has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. – from Luke 1:46b-55

Rev. Elder Carmarion D. Anderson, Minister for Congregational Leadership

“All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you. The only lasting truth is change. God is change.” – from Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

 

In this sacred season of Advent, Mary’s song rises from the pages of Scripture with a courage that still shakes the foundations of this world. Her Magnificat is not merely a poetic prayer. It is a prophetic declaration that God shows up in the lives of the marginalized with power, purpose, and promise. Mary announces that God has shown strength with God’s arm. God has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.

As a Black woman of trans-experience and faith who understands the burden of being pushed to the margins, I hear Mary singing directly to the hearts of those told they are not enough. Advent reminds us that God sees us. God hears us. God moves toward those on society’s edges and whispers, “You are still part of the story.” This season isn’t about passive waiting; it’s active expectation. It’s standing with holy boldness and trusting that God is already turning the world upside down.

Howard Thurman said, “The movement of the spirit of God in the hearts of people often calls them to act against the spirit of their times.” Advent calls us to join that movement. To resist despair. To expect transformation. To stand in our truth and trust that God is birthing something liberating through us and around us.

Prayer

World-Changing Love, lift every weary heart and shine your liberating light on all who feel unseen.
Surround the marginalized with your comfort, courage, and strength.
Stir in us a holy fire for justice, healing, and compassion.
As surely as Christ comes again, let hope rise, peace settle,
and love overflow in our lives and communities.
And may we walk boldly as witnesses to your grace. Amen.