Sharing stories?

"For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed."  (Luke 1:48 NLT)

Sharing stories is what we do - isn't it?  When we are gathered together as a family we share about other times we have gathered or maybe about a recent trip, event or celebration.  We share the stories with family, with friends, as a "teaching moment" and sometimes  with complete strangers because we are so excited about something.  Sometimes the story is a happy memory, sometimes a funny "oops" memory and sometimes a surprise memory.  Some of the best memories, especially to share with the "younger" generation, are about "when I was your age we _________."  

The readings, today, are about sharing stories - memories.   Mary is looking forward to what "all generations" will think about the miracle that is happening in her life. (v. 48)   Paul is explaining about how his teachings are now being "revealed and made known" through him and others.  (Romans 16:26)  And the Gospel reading, also in Luke, is the angel visiting Mary telling her about her son and how "he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:33) The angel also tells Mary about her cousin, Elizabeth, giving Mary someone to share her story with right away.

All through Advent, as we have prepared to celebrate Jesus' birthday, we have been looking at Jesus' family tree - and the stories.  Now we need to think about sharing the stories......  Who are we telling about our encounters with God?  Who are we encouraging, like Mary and Elizabeth, with the stories?  Who are we "revealing" the stories to - like Paul?  Something to think about......