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Luke 1:39-56

Blessed art thou among women: 

Why do we neglect the role of Mary?

Why do we neglect the role of Mary so much in our Protestant traditions? Apart from Christmas cards, Mary is often a forgotten figure in our Protestant tradition? We tend to say that it is part of our Protestant, Reformation tradition in order to highlight the central place of Christ. But even Martin Luther, the great leader of the Protestant reformation continued to have a very high view of Mary.

Is our devaluing of Mary yet another sign of our devaluing of women in general as somehow less important and less capable and less valuable than men?

In this passage we are encouraged to restore Mary to her rightful place in our faith. In this passage, Elizabeth, Mary's relative, moved by the Holy Spirit exclaims in a loud voice: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me."

The words of this exclamation from Elizabeth form the heart of what Catholics call the "Hail Mary". In fact most of the "Hail Mary" is rooted in scripture...

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you (see Luke 1:28); Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus (see Luke 1:42). Holy Mary, Mother of God (or "our Lord" – see Luke 1:43), pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

While as Protestants the idea of asking Mary to pray for us, might be foreign to us (see below for further thoughts on this), we see that the honouring of the central place of Mary in the Christian faith as expressed in the Hail Mary, is already rooted in scripture.

May we so honour Mary this Christmas as an example of a life submitted in devotion to God and as the bearer of God incarnate in Jesus that the same love and devotion to God that we see in Mary might dwell in us, that we too might give honour and glory to God Incarnate in Jesus her Son and that Christ might be Incarnate in us too this Christmas!

(NOTE: Pray for us now and at the hour of our death - Rev 8:3-4 describes a picture of heaven where the saints (those who have overcome) are pictured as offering prayers to God. Who are they praying for, if not for those who are still in this world of pain and struggle who are seeking to walk in the way of Christ. Is it thus not possible to picture Mary with the other saints around the throne, honouring the Lamb and praying for those of us who walk through the trails and tribulations of this world?)

Welcome to EMC
New Service Times PDF Print E-mail
Written by Jane Turner   
Monday, 25 January 2010 03:09

07h45

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18h30

Children's Church at 09h00

 
Our Mission Statement Print E-mail

By God's Grace: Shining the Light, living the Love! 

By God's Grace: Grace has been defined as receiving that which we do not deserve or cannot earn. From start to finish, our relationship with God is based on grace. We do not follow Jesus in our own strength, but in the strength that comes from Christ. We do not convince God to love us, it is God who loved us first (1 John 4:19)

Shining the Light, Living the Love: God is described in the Bible as being Light (1 John 1;5-7) and Love (1 John 4:16). In the midst of a world of darkness Christ brings light and love and healing and wholeness. We pray that those who are members of EMC would know the Light and Love of Christ in their own hearts and loves, but also that we would be a community that continues to shine God's Light and spread Christ's love to the world. 

 

Warning: EMC is not a perfect church! We are a work in progress!

This church is made up of saints and sinners and the dividing line is through the middle of the heart!

We are a community of ordinary people serving and following and extra-ordinary Lord!

God empowers us to do this through the Holy Spirit.

 

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Church Notices

Calling all Musicians

All musicians are invited to join the Worship Team practices during the week.

If you are an upcoming musician, you are also invited to join the Worship Team.

For further information please contact Jan at the office or on 072 270 9631

 
Do Youo Have A Passion for Family Life?

EMC Family Ministry needs you!

If you have ideas for family activities or if you would like to help,

please contact KC Dickinson on 082 442 4418

 
Induction Service

The Induction Service for Pastor Dennis Gee will be held on 14th March 2010

 
New Service Times

07h45

09h00

18h30

Children's Church at 09h00

 
Going into Hospital?

Please let Gray or June know

011 452 1135

Then you can be on the prayer chain

and will be visited in hospital if you wish

 
Sermons on CD

The sermons are recorded each Sunday morning.

Copies can be ordered through the Church office at R10 each.

011 452 1135

 
HIV Support Group

Every Tuesday - Church Foyer

From 6 to 7pm

For further details please contact Ryan on 072 515 4642

or click here

 
Tuesday Communion Service

All Welcome!

08h30 until 09h00 in the church

 
Website for HIV Positive South Africans

If you know anyone who is HIV positive refer them to www.hivsuppport.co.za

This brand new website has been developed by a very in-touch doctor in Johannesburg and is specially for South Africans who are HIV positive.

Spread the word!

 
Planned Giving Letters & Envelopes
These are available in the church foyer.
 

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