Opening
This Advent we explore how God meets us in the ordinariness and messiness of life. We wait with hope. We begin with Mary.
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-32
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.”
There is so much that is perplexing and heartbreaking in our lives and in the world around us. Fear seems to come so naturally to us. It can choke out our hope and peace. The troubles of this world and the worries in our lives are so often overwhelming. Climate Change, oppressive systems, health challenges, job changes, and loved ones lost, drain us of life and energy. There has been so much, yet in the midst of it all, and in the midst of our fear, may we like Mary, await with hope. May we wait with the reminder that God sees us. God hears us. God is with us.
“Hope begins when you stand in the dark looking out at the light”
(From the movie, “The Christmas Train.”)
Prayer
God of hope, awaken me to your presence with me, with us. Amen.