December 8, 2024

Indianola Presbyterian Church, Columbus

      “Wonder”

Homily by Rev. Trip Porch

December 8,2024                                                                                                                                  Based on Luke 1:39–45, 56

One of my earliest memories, which is reinforced every time I see a scar on my knee, happened when I was five. I was at my neighbor’s house, swimming in their new above ground pool, and the rest of my family, I remember, was home. We were having a blast, splashing and playing, but then something happened, We were getting out of the pool, and when I climbed out of the ladder, I slipped, and fell 3 feet or so onto the concrete path to the pool, which of course, really hurt. I remember crying and looking down and seeing a gash with the most blood I’d ever seen in my young life.
I immediately felt terrified and alone. I wanted my parents but they weren’t there. Of course, my neighbor’s parents rushed quickly over to help. They comforted me, they helped me calm down. My neighbor’s mom cleaned my cut and gave me the biggest Band-Aid I’d ever seen, which funnily enough, I vividly remember having the Ronald McDonald clown on it. Then as my neighbor’s dad was rushing back with my parents who he had gone to get. Looking back I remember this memory not only because of the trauma, or the scar I had, but because it was the first time I realized I could trust other people, folks who were not my Parents or grandparents. It was the first time I realized that other people could care for me, or love me, and help me to get the help I need.
Mary and Elizabeth, in our story today, remind us that in times of uncertainty, challenge, or joy, we aren’t meant to walk alone. Picture Mary for a moment. She’s young—just a teenager. And she’s carrying a secret so extraordinary it would change the world, but also a secret so dangerous it could cost her everything: her engagement, her reputation, even potentially her life. Mary has just found out she’s pregnant, not by her fiancé but by the Holy Spirit. This kind of news isn’t something you can post on social media or bring up casually at the dinner table.
I imagine Mary discovers this and immediately feels incredibly isolated. I mean in the story the angel shares this and Mary’s main response is… “let it be with me according to your will,” which at best feels like regretful acceptance.
So, what does Mary do? She packs her bags and hurries to her cousin Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is also living a miraculous story—she’s pregnant after a lifetime of infertility. But she’s much older, likely facing her own risks and fears about this unexpected blessing. And yet, when Mary arrives, Elizabeth doesn’t greet her with suspicion or judgment. She doesn’t ask probing questions or demand proof. Elizabeth welcomes Mary with joy. How that must that have felt to Mary.
“Blessed are you among women,” she exclaims, “and blessed is the child you will bear!”
In that moment, Mary’s fears are eased. She knows she isn’t alone.
This is the kind of connection we all long for, isn’t it? To show up, vulnerable and unsure, and be met with open arms and a joyful voice saying, “I see you. You are welcome here. You are not alone.” When Mary draws near to Elizabeth, something holy happens. Elizabeth’s baby leaps in her womb. The Spirit fills the space between them. Their shared faith and love make the divine visible.
This is the power of community. Anything is bearable if you have one person walking with you. And when we draw near to one another, we draw near to God.
For Mary, seeking out Elizabeth wasn’t just a comfort; it was a necessity. She needed someone who would understand, someone who would stand with her in a time when her very life was at risk. Elizabeth offered her that sanctuary.
Friends, this is what we are called to be for one another, a haven, a sanctuary. The world can be a hard, lonely place. There are people all around us—maybe even sitting beside us today—carrying heavy burdens, trying to make sense of their own stories. Sometimes, the most holy thing we can do is simply show up for each other.
Advent reminds us that God comes close. God comes into the messiness of our human lives—not as a  distant deity, but as Emmanuel, “God with us.” And if God chooses to draw near, we can, too.
I probably don’t need to tell you that Christmas can be a season that is incredibly isolating and lonely for some. As family and friends gather, it can be a time where we feel a particular absence. The grief of loved ones who are no longer with us this holiday, the memory of Christmas tables and gatherings gone-by. It’s a loneliness that worsens as we see the happy gatherings it seems everyone else is experiencing. If this has felt like you this season, I invite you to look up and around you now, you are surrounded by people here who have committed to be your community. Who might you draw near to, to better see how God is at work in your life?
What if this advent, we take a cue from Mary and Elizabeth. What if we consider who it is in our life that might need a visit, a phone call, a greeting card, a warm smile? As Emmanuel draws near to us, how might we draw near to others? How might we be a haven, a sanctuary, for those who feel scared, or alone?
I noticed that Mary’s song, the Magnificat, only happens after she finds community with Elizabeth. Mary is only able to sing out for joy because she has drawn near to someone who can help her see that joy.
Anything is bearable, as long as you have one person walking with you. When we gather in honest vulnerable community with another person, when we share in each other’s joys and struggles, we embody the hope of Advent. We become, like Mary and Elizabeth, a living witness to the truth that God is here, moving among us.
May it be so, for you and for me, Amen.

WE GATHER IN AWE AND PRAISE

PRELUDE         “Concerto in C-Major” for Piccolo Op. 44, No. 2     Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

                                                              I. Allegro                                                           Meagan Gaskell, Piccolo Soloist

                                                           III.Allegro Molto

WELCOME                                                                               Rev. Trip Porch

One: This is the day that the Lord has made

All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

                          

Poetic Reading and Candle Lighting                            The Gayley/Guinn Family

     “Draw Near to One Another”     Rev. Sarah Are Speed  

*HYMN 103                   “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”                                          O-SO-SO 

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                                          Rev. Beverly Schmidt

Holy God, we confess that far too often, we turn away from one another. Maybe it’s due to fear of being vulnerable or being seen as less than, maybe we are just too busy or self-focused. But God, we keep holding back, when it’s others that we need, and others who need us. Forgive us, God in relationship, and draw us into the kind of community where love, support, and your presence are made real.

In the silence, hear our confessions…

*CONFESSIONAL RESPONSE 93       “Lift up Your Heads” vs 3                                         TRURO

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON 

*RESPONSE OF PRAISE 93            “Lift up Your Heads” vs 1                                              TRURO

*PASSING OF THE PEACE                                       

One:   The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,

All:      And also with you.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

CHLDREN’S MESSAGE                                                              Sharon Renkes

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE    Luke 1:39–45   CEB

After learning she would become pregnant, Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned to her home.

Holy Wisdom, Holy Word

Thanks be to God

HOMILY

ANTHEM                                  “Magnificat”                       Francesco Durante (1684-1755)

MOMENT FOR SILENT REFLECTION                        

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

TIME OF OFFERING   online giving is available at  www. indianolapres.org/give  

OFFERTORY                    “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child”                              arr. Timothy Shaw

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 79     “Light Dawns On a Weary World” vs 2              TEMPLE OF PEACE

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Generous God, as we bring these gifts, we dedicate them to your work of love and connection in the world. Use what we offer today—our money, time, and hearts—to build communities where all are welcomed, supported, and drawn closer to you. Amen.

*Hymn 100                     “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout”     STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN 

TIME OF COMMUNITY SHARING

CHARGE & BENEDICTION  

CHORAL RESPONSE                     “May the Love of the Lord”                                Swee Hong Lim

POSTLUDE                     “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”          Rowland H. Prichard

                                                                                                                                                                        arr. Pam Asberry

 Acknowledgments: Unless otherwise indicated, all texts and music are printed and broadcast under OneLicense.net license #A-702452

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