From today's reading: But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Luke 1:13-15
Advent means the arrival of an important person or thing. Our readings this week really reflect this season of Advent as they lead up to the birth of the Christ child. In today's reading, Zechariah has gone into the holy of holies to offer incense and is confronted by the archangel Gabriel who bears a message of good news - Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth are to have a child and his name is to be John. John will be the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord.
Sometimes we, like Zechariah, doubt the ability of God to really answer all our deepest desires. But God has a plan and we are all part of that plan. When we live our lives in faith, regardless of the doubts, God will bless us in unexpected way.
To paraphrase a friend of mine (Fr. David Price), There is pressure in our culture to try to make Christmas perfect which as we know is all but impossible. Jesus was born into our world as a gift of light shining into the darkness. Regardless of our limitations, we must be prepared to welcome this holy child into our hearts. He is the perfect one who will bring peace, hope, love and joy into our lives, making perfect, that which we cannot.
During this busy week of preparation, take out a little time to focus on why we prepare, on why we wait. We wait on the one who will take away our sin, who will fill our life, and who will meet us right where we are and who will bring us to where he is. All praise to him who loves so deeply.
Hebrews 11: 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mother Nan for your wonderful blot.