Advent 3: Even in our Fear, We are Called Forward

Earlier in Advent, we met Zechariah and Elizabeth – an older, childless couple whose long-held prayers were answered when an angel appeared to Zechariah and announced the coming birth of their son, John the Baptist.

This week we hear another story of an angel foretelling a miraculous birth: the annunciation of Mary. But unlike Elizabeth, Mary hasn’t been praying for this. The news arrives unasked-for, out of nowhere. The idea of her having any child at that moment – let alone the Messiah – is perplexing and scary. And having that child – the one who will change the world – is its own kind of overwhelming.

When have you found yourself in a circumstance you didn’t feel ready to meet?
Where have you had to take the next step even while the path remained unclear?
How do you discern what to receive and what to resist?

From within her confusion, Mary still says yes: not because she fully understands, but because she senses God’s presence in the invitation.

God does not leave her to navigate this life-upending change alone. Gabriel points her toward Elizabeth – her relative, who is six months into her own divinely-announced pregnancy – and Mary hurries to go see her. Their stories differ, their ages differ, but Elizabeth becomes Mary’s companion on the path. We can turn to each other for witness and help in processing the wonder and the weight of what’s happening.

Come Sunday to pray, sing, and ponder the perplexing together.

In faith,
Matisse