Scripture: Luke 1:26-27
When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Thought for the Day: Reread those two verses. There is a lot packed into those two sentences. The author segues one story (Elizabeth) into the next in such a way that a connection is made, yet the connection is not specifically named (it will become clear in time). We also have information about geography, genealogy and even the rather intimate details of a young girl’s sexual history (or lack there of). And there is God – followed by the divine messenger that isn’t sitting on a cloud playing a harp, but has entered into a very specific setting as an envoy of the One who sent him. In yesterday’s devotional, we were eased into the story, but today, we are thrust quickly and efficiently into the storyline. It’s as if the curtain hasn’t even been fully pulled back, and we are already gasping for breath as an audience member. As I think about these two stories, I see an interesting parallel to the life faith. There are times when it feels as if we are gently drawn into our experiences of God that shape and form us. There are other moments when the movement is dramatic and sudden, leaving little time to think – only react. The unique circumstance, along with the people involved, influence how God is perceived and received. And whether your Advent is gentle and measured (Elizabeth’s story), or is sudden and shocking (Mary’s story), the good news appears to be that God is present within both.
Prayer: However I need to receive the gift of this season, O Lord, I trust that you will find a way that speaks to my unique situation and personal peculiarities. Amen.
