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A Deeper Love | A Sermon for Advent 4

The document reflects on the Magnificat from Luke 1:46-55, emphasizing Mary’s praise of God for lifting the lowly and filling the hungry. It critiques social activists and conservatives for lacking genuine love and contemplation in their efforts for justice. The text argues that true change requires a balance of action and contemplation to avoid harm and foster lasting impact.

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Luke 1:46-55
Mary and Elizabeth Luke 1:39-45 “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; Luke 1:46–48 (NRSV)
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. Luke 1:49–50 (NRSV)
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Luke 1:51 (NRSV)
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Luke 1:54–55 (NRSV)
What word is missing?
What word is missing? LOVE
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Luke 1:51 (NRSV)
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Luke 1:51 (NRSV)
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
Where is LOVE?
“Over the years, I met many social activists who were doing excellent social analysis and advocating for crucial justice issues, but they were not working from an energy of love. They were still living out of their false self with the need to win, the need to look good—attached to a superior, politically correct self-image.”
Untransformed liberals often lack the ability to sacrifice the self or create foundations that last. They can’t let go of their own need for change and cannot stand still in a patient, compassionate, and humble way. It is no surprise that Jesus prayed not just for fruit, but “fruit that will last” (John 15:16)
Untransformed conservatives, on the other hand, tend to idolize anything that lasts, but then avoid the question, “Is it actually bearing any fruit?”
This is the perennial battle between idealism and pragmatism, or romanticism and rationalism.
This is the perennial battle between idealism and pragmatism, or romanticism and rationalism. What divides are making it hard for you to love today?
[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. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
Without the contemplative mind, all our talk about and action for social change and justice can actually do more harm than good… Action needs to be accompanied by contemplation for us to stay on the journey for the long haul. Otherwise, we’re just constantly searching for victims and perpetrators, and eventually we start playing the victim or perpetrator ourselves.”
[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. Luke 1:52–53 (NRSV)
A Deeper Love | A Sermon for Advent 4
A Deeper Love | A Sermon for Advent 4