On the fourth Sunday of Advent our focus is on Peace. Micah's prophetic vision for Judah was that a new king would rise from Bethlehem, and that he would not simply be a leader for Israel but for all the world. Seven hundred years later, Mary would be the fulfillment of this prophecy and would go in anxiety to her cousin Elizabeth, already six months pregnant with the baby who would become John the Baptist. In welcoming Mary she gives her assurance that God will do what he has promised. We can welcome those who are feeling anxiety, sadness and loss in what should be a joyous season, and we are filled by God's Spirit to do just that.
Recorded at Hudson UMC on December 23, 2018
S.D.G.