“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23
Theotokos
When I served as a Professor of Education at Concordia College in Selma, Alabama, my colleague, Dr. Ralph Droege, and I attended a series of meetings scheduled over a weekend in the middle of August at the International Center of the LCMS in Kirkwood, Missouri. Fortunately, Dr. Droege and I were privileged to attend a Liturgy on the 15th of August at Concordia Lutheran Church located a short distance away. The Rev. Vernon Gundermann gave us an abundance of food for thought in a powerful sermon centered on Saint Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mother of our Lord. Pastor Gundermann emphasized that sometimes we Lutherans give Mary short shrift and avoid speaking positively of her because we do not want to sound too Roman Catholic.
In his message, Rev. Gundermann introduced us to the Greek word, Theotokos, and explained another way of viewing Mary’s role and function. Loosely translated into English Theotokos means "Mother of God" or "God-bearer." The second translation, “God-bearer,” caused me to reflect on what it means to be a bearer of God. That insight left me overwhelmed with wonder, as I realized that God has entrusted to each of us a similar responsibility. God allows us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to witness, in other words to “bear,” the saving Gospel message of Christ to the world. In all of our actions and interactions we are bearing God to others.
The fourth candle on the Advent wreath is often called the “Angel’s candle. The angels’ message of “Peace on Earth, good will toward men.” becomes our message as we boldly are “Engaging the world with the Gospel of Hope.” Like Mary, may our souls magnify the Lord and rejoice in God, Our Savior because He has chosen us to be Theotokos. As we wait with joyful anticipation for His Second Coming, we make the invisible God visible in the world.
Lord Jesus, help us in our words and actions to bear Your saving Gospel to the world. In Your Name we pray. Amen.
Dr. LuJuana R. Butts
Minister of Religion—Commissioned of the LCMS Atlantic District
Comments