December 22nd, 2024

Selected by Rev. Diana Scholl

Micah 5:2-5a  (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, 

whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time

when she who is in labor has brought forth;

then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.  

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth,

and he shall be the one of peace.

Luke 1:46-55  (First Nations Version)

(When Bitter Tears (Mary) heard this she was filled with gladness, and her words flowed out like a song.)

“From deep in my heart I dance with joy to honor the Great Spirit.  Even though I am small and weak, he noticed me.  Now I will be looked up to by all.  The Mighty One has lifted me up!  His name is sacred.  He is the Great and Holy One.”

(Her face seemed to shine as she continued.)

“He shows kindness and pity to both children and elders who respect him.  His strong arm has brought low the ones who think they are better than others.  He counts coup* with arrogant warrior chiefs but puts a headdress of honor on the ones with humble hearts.”

She smiled, looked up to the sky, and shouted for joy!)

He prepares a great feast for the ones who are hungry, but sends the fat ones home with empty bellies.  He has been kind to the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel) who walk in his ways, for he has remembered the ancient promises he made to our ancestors—to Father of Many Nations (Abraham) and his descendants.”

• “Counting coup” was a Native American practice among some of the Plains tribes of touching the enemy with a coup stick as an act of courage during battle, to show he could have killed him but chose to spare him instead.