Jenny Williams is Chief Executive of Habitat for Humanity Ireland. Read her reflection, the final in our series, below:
As we wait for Christmas, and celebrate again the birth of Jesus, I have been reflecting on Mary’s Magnificat. Mary sang as she waited to give birth, a song that is prophetic and defiant, full of truth about the nature of God and His plans for His people.
Mary is convinced that the baby still to be born would change everything. Her song points towards the kind of Messiah Jesus will be.
God made a home among the people. God made a home with us.
God shows his power not through those who have wealth or status but through the love of those who the world tends to overlook.
The Magnificat reminds each of us that in order to build God’s Kingdom we need to say yes to joining in His plans. Just as Mary said to the angel ‘I am the Lord’s servant’ each of us need to be willing to say yes to a God who is always faithful.
The heart to serve is at the heart of Habitat’s mission. By putting God’s love into action to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live Habitat is always among the poor, the refugees, those who are forgotten or overlooked, people on the margins.
The Habitat people I have the joy to meet embody the spirit of that cry for justice; committed colleagues, faithful donors, volunteers who bring a spirit of generosity to serve others and the many partners who join us to multiply our impact.
Amanda Gorman ‘the amazing young US poet said "there is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it. God is with us. And if God is with us, who can stand against us?”
In a world haunted by conflict, poverty and greed I look forward to all the ways we will continue to be brave enough to be light and hope in the communities we serve. Meantime I wish you, and those you love joy and hope this Christmas and blessings for 2023.
Prayer
God of Hope May our lives and actions reflect the light and truth that Jesus was born in a stable and died on a cross to give us hope. In a world where too many are hungry, where too many wait for a safe place to live, where people live in the shadow of war, where people are worried about how they can pay their bills - may hope and justice be born through us as we build your kingdom on earth. Amen
