One month later God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David. The angel greeted Mary and said, “You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you”.

Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.” Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? L am not married!” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she would ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. Nothing is impossible for God! ” Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said. “And the angel left her.
Luke 1:26-38

Reflect on the word BLESSED for a few moments.

A scene such as this is played out across the country every day. Perhaps it may reflect some of the emotions Mary must have felt.

She sits alone in silence and waits. The curtains part and a white-robed doctor
appears. She knows her worst fears are realized. She is pregnant. She walks into the street with fear in her heart. To whom would she go? Who would want to take her in? How would she manage? She is confused. She is afraid. Why did she let this happen? Will she be another number in the statistics for single mothers? Did she have the courage to be different?

Mary’s submission was not an easy way out for her. Her submission was a choice she made. It led her through the joy of birthing, contentment in nurturing, confusion in parenting a child who was different, and finally the pain and agony of a crucifixion.

“And the angel said “You are truly blessed!”

Give me courage God, to claim your blessings because I hear you say again: “Don’t be afraid!”

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

John spoke about him and shouted, “This is the one I told you would come! He is greater than l am, because he was alive before I was born”. Because of all that the Son is, we have been given one blessing after another. The Law was given by Moses, but Jesus Christ brought us undeserved kindness and truth. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like. ‘
John 1: 15-18

Reflect on the word GOD for a few moments.

“Mum, what is God like?

The mother paused and looked into the face of the five year old.
“I am not sure dear. Do you know what God is like?”
“Sure! God makes me feel all warm and safe and happy. So I guess God looks warm
and safe and happy! Got to go Mum. See ya!”
The mother smiled and continued her interrupted task.

How do we know what God is like? Do we look for answers in our church traditions and liturgy? In sermons and religious writings? In our own feelings of religiosity and spirituality?

Do we look for answers in attitudes that sanction what is right and lawful? Do we try to impose our understanding of God on others, without pausing to hear another point of view?

When we look at Jesus do we see who God really is? Or do we see Jesus and continue to see God as we think God should be like? How do we know what God is like?

Living God, let me not confuse your revelation through Christ with my limited human understanding of who you are.

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

A short time later Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah ‘s home, where she greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting her baby moved within her.

The Holy Spirit came upon Elizabeth. Then in a loud voice she said to Mary: “God has blessed you more than any other woman! He has also blessed the child you will have. Why should the mother of my Lord come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, my baby became happy and moved within me. The Lord has blessed you because you believed that he will keep his promise”.
Luke 1: 39-45

Reflect on the word CARING for a few moments.

In times of joy, in times of uncertainty, in times of trouble we need someone to turn to. Mary and Elizabeth turned to each other. They gave and received care from each other.

Giving and receiving is more than gifts placed under the Christmas tree. It is more than careful budgeting and clever “sales” shopping, or hospitality to family and friends during the holiday season.

Giving and receiving touches the center of our response to discipleship in Christ. It celebrates the gift of caring. It requires honesty and truth about our love for others and for self, the acceptance of others and of self, without being judgmental. It requires sensitivity to what is happening to others and to self in the present moment

Caring is a living process that is based on mutual giving and receiving.

God cared and God gave.

How do we receive from God, and how do we give back to God?

Caring God, make me aware of caring as a living process as I continue to care for others and myself.

---

© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

One day Zechariah ‘s group of priests were on duty and he was serving God as a priest. All at once an angel from the Lord appeared to Zechariah at the right side of the altar. Zechariah was confused and afraid when he saw the angel. But the angel told him: “Don’t be afraid Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad. Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born.
Luke 1: 8, 11-15

Reflect on the word FEAR for a few moments.

“Don’t be afraid!”

Perhaps we freeze with fear when we hear the sounds of footsteps following us, or when we hear strange noises at night. Perhaps we freeze with fear at the sound of the phone ringing when waiting for disturbing news. Or at the sound or sight of violence

Fear is a personal experience. Differentiating between imagined or irrational fear and rational or paralyzing fear is not easy.

But faith can free us from fear as it did for Zechariah and Elizabeth to raise a child in their old age. Mary and Joseph to walk with their Son from Bethlehem to Calvary. Shepherds to run, without looking back. Three wise men to defy Herod.

Do we remain frozen with fear, or learn to fly with the freedom of faith?
Moving from fear to faith requires courage, commitment and continuing
belief in God’s promise to us. “Don’t be afraid!”

God of Unbroken Promise, may I know your presence in my life as Faith and not fear.

---

© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

A child has been born for us. We have been given a son
Who will be our ruler.
His name will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God,
Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.
His power will never end; peace will last forever.
He will rule David’s kingdom and make it grow strong.
He will always rule with honesty and justice.
The LORD All-Powerful will make certain
That all of this is done.
Isaiah 9: 6-7

Reflect on the word MIGHTY for a few moments.

“A mighty God.”

What does it mean to be mighty in this 21st century?

• mighty space explorations; mighty global enterprises;
• mighty political power; mighty military arsenals;
• mighty technological achievements.

How mighty is “mighty”?

As I prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ-Child who bears the titles “Prince of Peace”, “Wonderful Advisor”, “Mighty God” I need to examine honestly the implications of my allegiance to such a Savior.

God, incarnate as Peace, Honesty, Justice and Power, is my God and as well as the Creator of the universe. A truly mighty God who cares for the universe and me. It is difficult for my mind to wrap itself around such an awesome idea.

Mighty God, may I always be aware of the consequences of my allegiance to you.

---

© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.