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12/18/2025

Today’s blog

Lynn Murphy Mark

Advent silliness

Last Sunday at the service of lessons and carols at my church I got to read what I think is the best passage of them all: the chapters in Luke where the angel Gabriel shows himself to Mary and tells her that she will be the mother of God. I love this because it shows Mary’s faith and courage in accepting what is surely a mystery to her. 

Before church I saw my minister, Kevin. I told him I was fortunate to be a reader that day and to have these particular words to say out loud. “You know,” I said, “the one where Gabriel approaches Mary and says ‘Hey Girlfriend, I’ve got news!’” Keving laughed and commented, “You should say it that way!”.

Of course I behaved myself and read the text just as it is found in Luke 1:26-38. But I have often thought about making the text more contemporary, and closer to what an angel might say to a teenager. Here goes, with apologies to Bible purists…

When the angel Gabriel manifested in front of a very young Mary, he might have anticipated what an effect his news might have for a woman who was still a girl: “Hey Girlfriend!”, he said, “Have I got news for you! But, hey, don’t be afraid. I’m here because the Big All-That-is sent me. Now, what I’m about to say sounds weird, I know, but no worries, it’s all for good. If you think I’m a little crazy, I get that a lot. Most people fall down when I show up, but you’re braver than most. That’s good, you’re gonna need it. Listen, don’t worry about the biology of this announcement – you have been chosen as the best person to fulfill this prophesy.”

“So, here it is: soon you’ll find yourself with child, as we say. You gotta trust me on this, it is one of God’s biggest miracles and God knows you are just the one to help God out. You’ll be giving birth to God’s own son.” 

At that, Mary looked a little confounded. She said, “Listen, I’ve never been with a man. I might be a kid but I got the birds and bees lecture from my mom so I know how this works!” 

 Gabe had an answer for her, “Listen, God got the idea from the Holy Ghost who will be visiting you to make it happen. Like I said, no worries! Those two Holy Ones practiced on your cousin Elizabeth and, even though she is as old as you are young, she is six months pregnant. Don’t believe me, go check it out. God’s pretty good at this miracle stuff.”

Mary pondered the news. “OK, I’m in, but I don’t really get it. I’m gonna hold you to your word.” And then she added this, “Any problems and I expect to see you again with a good explanation. Plus, you better warn Joseph, too. This might screw up his reputation, not to mention what it will do to mine! You know how people love to gossip. This might be the biggest thing to ever hit Nazareth.” 

“Oh, and I’ll expect a baby shower. Babies have lots of needs and we’re not exactly made of money!” At that, Gabe suddenly disappeared from sight.

And so it is. Amen