How Can This Be?

This morning we considered the angel’s announcement to Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, though she was a peasant virgin dwelling in the backwater town of Galilee. This announcement surprised her as it does us when we read of it. And beloved we need to recapture some of that same wonder and surprise about what takes place at this Table each and every Lord’s Day. I mean think of it. Each and every Lord’s Day the risen and exalted King of kings and Lord of lords comes to visit us in Greer, SC, tucked away in this old building in the middle of an old mill community. Each and every Lord’s Day the God of heaven and earth raises us Gentile peasants up from the ash heap of our sins and seats as princes at His Table. When I read the words of institution and call you to partake of this glorious and triumphant feast of the Lord, does this announcement ever catch you off guard? When I pray before the bread and again before the wine, thanking God that in these sacraments we receive Jesus Christ, do you ever wonder with Mary, “How can this be?” Beloved, this Table is the closest we come to experiencing what Mary experienced when she bore the Savior in her womb. For here we receive the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ into our inmost being by faith. At this Table the Holy Spirit comes upon us and the power of the Highest overshadows us enables us feed upon Christ though he remains seated at the right hand of God. Here at this Table we can rejoice with Mary for here God is with us and we are blessed among all the peoples of the earth. But you need not fear to come. For you like Noah and Mary before you, have found grace and favor in the eyes of God. He sent His Son on that first Christmas Day to save you, His people, from your sins. And He accomplished that salvation on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. So eat and drink with hearts full of joy at the wonder of your salvation. Receive here, in bread and wine, the grace that you have found in Jesus Christ.