Sermon: "Faith, Courage, Action," Fourth Sunday in Advent December 22, 2024

The Birth and Naming of John the Baptist, Juan de Flandes, 1496

Scripture: Luke 1:57-80
Preacher: Sarah Sullivan

Let us pray: Lord, may your word shine a light for those in the dark. May you guide each of us towards the way of peace. May you work in our hearts and communities to eliminate injustice and violence. May you bring healing and justice to the broken and oppressed. May you give us courage to speak and wisdom to discern your will. May your love shine through us. In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen

Yesterday marked the longest night of the year – just shy of 16 hours of darkness. For many of us this time of year is difficult because we leave to go to work or school in the dark and return home in the dark. Yet today marks the return of the light and each day will have a few more minutes of daylight. It marks a time of hope to look forward to the coming spring. Our reading echoes this hope with the birth of John the Baptist, who was sent “by the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79).

Today’s scripture shares the story of the birth and naming of John the Baptist. We join the celebration and the joyous atmosphere of friends and family who gather with the couple and marvel at the miraculous healing of Zechariah’s muteness followed by his stirring prophesy about John’s mission to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus. However, buried in the passage, Elizabeth’s strong voice shines brightly as a countercultural example of gender equality. Luke’s inclusion of Elizabeth’s faith, courage, and action is a guide for the church to be a light for justice to guide our feet into the way of peace.

The scripture passage brings us to the quiet village of Ain Karim, where Elizabeth lived a life marked by faith. She was the loyal wife of Zechariah, a priest, and they both were “righteous before God, living blamelessly” (Luke 1:6). However, despite many years of marriage and righteous living, they had not been blessed with any children. As many families can relate to, Elizabeth longed for a child. She endured years of societal shame, and yet held onto her trust in God. In those days, before the advent of modern medicine and infertility treatment, barrenness was seen as a sign of deep failure and inadequacy of the wife. Her story is one of resilience, faith and courage. The inclusion of her assertive voice in Luke’s gospel sets a divine example regarding women’s role in the world and church.

In contrast to the clear message Luke makes regarding God’s plan for women, many women in Canada live in the shadow of violence and discrimination. Violence against women is a persistent and devastating issue. On average, one woman or girl is killed every two days in Canada, often at the hands of someone they know. This is not the abundant life God intended for His daughters. As we explore Luke 1:57-80, let’s consider how faith can inspire courage and how the church can be a voice for justice and healing.

Elizabeth lived in a culture that equated barrenness with shame and God’s displeasure. Despite this, she remained faithful. When God fulfilled His promise, her neighbors celebrated with her. Verse 58 says, “Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.”

Contrast this with the silence many women endure today, not from waiting on God, but from suffering oppression. Gender based violence and discrimination silences women, trapping them in fear and shame. As the church, we are called to be like Elizabeth’s neighbors—rejoicing with those who experience God’s mercy but also standing against the injustices that steal joy and dignity.

When Elizabeth declared that her son would be called John, she defied cultural expectations. She was surrounded by neighbours and relatives on the eighth day for the naming and circumcision of the baby. Women did not traditionally have the power and influence to name a baby. The expectation was that the baby would be named after his father, Zechariah, but she firmly stated, “No; he is to be called John.” (Luke 1:60). Her courage to speak up reminds us of Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan, despite the potential cost to her reputation.

This passage illustrates how God honors and uplifts the voices of women. God speaks to us – we can hear the Holy Spirit, and we are vessels that can be used for God’s glory. Yet in our society, women’s voices are too often silenced by violence, inequality, and systemic oppression.

December 6th was the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, commemorating the1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal. During this horrific event, 35 years ago, the shooter asked all the men to leave the room before murdering the remaining 14 women simply because they were female.

Today, women still face violence in their homes, workplaces, and communities. A recent report was released by Battered Women’s Support Services, based upon research conducted in 2023 with front-line workers and victim-survivors in BC, which found that femicide rates in our province are reaching critical levels. Rates in BC are double the annual average rate. Advocates are calling for urgent reforms to the criminal justice system to increase safety for women in our province.

Sadly, Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be the victims of violence. Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner.

The church must amplify the voices of women, advocate for justice, and support survivors of violence. Like Elizabeth, women today have vital roles in God’s kingdom. We must ensure that no societal barriers prevent them from fulfilling their God-given purposes. We also must empower women to participate fully in faith communities and leadership rather than continue to perpetuate stereotypes of acceptable roles for women.

When Zechariah doubted the angel’s promise, he lost his voice. But during his silence, he learned the power of trust and obedience. When John was born, Zechariah’s first words were praise: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people.” (Luke 1:68)

This transformation illustrates how faith moves us from doubt to worship. Similarly, as a society, we must transform our response to violence against women from silence to action.

Recently I read a story about a young PhD student who proudly shared a picture of herself holding her bound University of Cambridge thesis on the "Politics of Smell in Literature” on X (formally known as Twitter) to a small academic online community. Little did she know that her celebration would go viral and spark a deluge of hatred, including comments insinuating that she had wasted her life working on the thesis and that she “would have spent [her] years better by getting married and having children.” This theme echoes statements by the Vice-President elect of the United States about the risks of a country being led by politicians without children. There is a still prevalent attitude that women’s greatest value is to have children and to remain in the private sphere without a public voice.

Faith compels us to speak out against injustice. It calls us to provide safe spaces, advocate for change, and work for a world where women are valued and protected.

As a woman, I have experienced the impact of spiritual discrimination, which challenged my faith. For many decades I belonged to a faith community where women were not welcomed in leadership positions neither as elders nor pastors. My calling to participate in ministry was stifled and I also witnessed my children leave the faith due to the discrimination towards women and LGBTQ folks. Eventually, I left my church even though I still loved Jesus. I just didn’t feel safe to share my voice and serve God in a full capacity. I could no longer support a faith community where my child was condemned and shamed for their sexual and gender identity. Yet, God had other plans for me.

Scholars point out that Luke’s gospel is unique because he profiles people who are on the margins of society and considered inferior due to their race, gender, financial or political status. The message is clear that God’s love welcomes all people not just the powerful or elite.

At times, people with power and influence need to speak up and advocate for individuals facing discrimination. In today’s reading, when the community doesn’t believe Elizabeth’s instructions to name the baby John, Zechariah requests a writing tablet upon which he confirms, “His name is John.” (Luke 1:63). Zechariah is a mature, well-respected priest and he backs his wife up in the best way he can. If we consider the timing of these events, which occurred before the birth of Christ, before the disciples were on the scene, it makes sense that Luke wrote his gospel based upon oral tradition from eyewitness accounts passed down. The choice to retain Elizabeth’s voice in the gospel is meaningful. This appears to be a strong message regarding how God can work through women, but it also makes a strong social statement regarding the equal capacity of women to discern and follow the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah then regains the ability to speak and is filled with the Holy Spirit to prophesy that John the Baptist was destined to prepare the world, “to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79).

Church, we are called to be like John the Baptist: to give light to those who sit in the darkness – to be a guide towards the way of peace. We are called to shine brightly and point the way towards Jesus as our hope and salvation. And the hope and salvation is offered to all without preference or discrimination – we are all welcome.

Today, I testify in the name of Jesus, that if you feel on the margins, like you don’t fit in, like you don’t have a voice, like you aren’t one of the powerful – God loves you and you belong. You are a treasured child of God and you belong. We all belong and we are equals in the eye of God. Moreover, our loving God wants to bring us out of darkness and into a life of peace.

Elizabeth and Zechariah’s story is one of waiting, courage, and transformation. It’s a story that challenges us to trust God’s promises and to live out His justice.

As we celebrate Elizabeth’s faith and courage, let us remember the women in our society who still face oppression. And if you are feeling threatened or experiencing violence in your home, workplace or community, please reach out to 911 or the Comox Valley Transition Society. If you need support to access resources, please connect with Reverend Ryan or myself after the service.

It takes courage to speak up and act on Jesus’ call to action for justice and love. The church has a role to play.

We can be a refuge to those who are hurting and connect people to safety and resources, as well as support organizations that work to prevent violence towards women, children and LGBTQ folks through donations or volunteering, as well as provide support to those fleeing violence by connecting them to resources and providing pastoral care and spiritual support.

We also can use our voice to speak out against violence, advocate for changes to the criminal justice system and commit to uplifting and empowering women to use their talents and gifts to their full potential.

As a faith community, we can offer family and relationship supports, include anti-violence and gender safety in our outreach programs, and encourage women to use their spiritual gifts. I am grateful to have found a faith community where women are welcomed and empowered to enter leadership roles. In addition, I am immensely grateful for the mentorship and encouragement that Reverand Ryan has given me as I discern how to use my spiritual gifts to the glory of God and to serve our community.

On a personal level, we can also speak out within our workplaces, social circles, online communities and families regarding discrimination, sexism, and unhealthy communication styles.

Let us leave today inspired by the faith and courage of Elizabeth and Zechariah, determined to be agents of God’s justice and healing in our community.

Today, I pray that the women here or listening online know that your voice matters. Your faith matters. God has a purpose for you.

And today I also share a hope for our church: Let us be bold in addressing violence and oppression, advocating for a world where all can live in safety and dignity.

Lord, thank you for your bold and countercultural word of justice, love and peace; thank you for the increasing light in our days; thank you for sending Jesus to be our salvation and hope. May you use each and everyone of us for your glory. May we shine like beacons of hope for our friends, families, communities and the world to guide all feet towards peace. In Jesus name, Amen.