Before we dive into the intro, I wanted to let you know about a special Renovaré Christmas virtual mini-retreat on Thursday, Dec 10 at 8PM EST. (I realize it’s a challenge to mix ​“retreat” with ​“Zoom,” but we’re gonna give it our best shot!) Teaching, art, music, reflection — it should be a special time. Join us free.

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Until Mimi Dixon wrote about it, I had given little thought to Mary’s choice in how to receive the angel’s news. Read a Bible story enough times and you start to think it couldn’t have gone any other way.

But Mary could have resisted.

Think of Zechariah receiving from an angel the news of John’s birth. Both he and Mary asked the angel questions, but the heart posture was different. Even the questions themselves are revealing (Zech: How will I know? Mary: How can this be?). He wanted proof; she wanted understanding. 

Perhaps God chose Mary to carry the Christ-child because there was room in her for him. 

She was empty enough of self-will to be quite literally filled with Jesus, who had himself emptied himself of the privileges of deity. The word Paul uses in Philippians 2 for this emptying is kenosis. Marlena Graves writes about this idea and discussed it with Nathan Foster this week on the Renovaré Podcast.

When we talk about emptying ourselves, it’s important not to slip into stoicism.

Laying down our will is serious, to be sure, but it’s also seriously joyful. The invitation of Jesus isn’t to lay down heavy burdens for heavier ones, or to give up a vibrant life for a bland one. It’s an invitation to lightness and life.

When we allow Jesus access to locked up rooms in our heart, he might toss out some old furniture to which we’d grown attached. But that’s a small price to pay for a stunning remodel by the master Interior Designer.

So, Father, I confess I’ve developed so many defenses to keep people out, to keep you out. I’ve filled myself with things I hoped would satisfy; worried so many worries about how to control situations to buy myself some peace. But today, with your Spirit’s help, I choose again to open myself to your way, your will, your life. Jesus, make your home in me. May it be unto me according to your word.