Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Luke 1:28

Our family returned to their home, our home is quiet once again. Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror and it’s time to think about Christmas. It’s been a tradition for many years to transform our home and decorate our tree on Thanksgiving weekend. I get a little slower every year and find myself taking the time to savor all the memories packed into our tree decorations. They represent ornaments gifted to us by loved ones no longer with us, new marriages, births, gifts from friends and family, and wonderful trips we have taken. I love to quietly recall each one and to share the memories with Ken. Sometimes my daughter and granddaughter like to hear the stories too.

I’ve been deeply blessed by the people who’ve shared my day-to-day living and those who’ve touched my life peripherally. I’ve seen things and been to places that many don’t have the opportunity to experience. Oh yes, there are lots of places I haven’t been, but I’ve made a good effort to learn about them and I suppose one would say I’ve lived life rather fully. In living life, I’ve made a multitude of mistakes, some that have affected not only my own world but the worlds of those around me…those who loved me.

So, I ask myself why was I given the gift of words. Why was I chosen to bring the hope and promise of Jesus to others through my writing? I am such an imperfect vessel and I no longer enjoy the freshness of youth. I have no theological training. The most I’ve done is lead a Sunday School class or teach kids at VBS. I’m not equipped to do this task with which I’ve been entrusted. So, why me, Lord? I can come to only one conclusion, God isn’t finished with me yet. I have much to learn and a shorter time in which to learn it. I’ve often said the messages I write are quite often directed straight at me. I can see myself in each one.

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:30

As I ponder the reasoning for my being where I am right now, I can’t help but ask myself what was going through Mary’s mind when the angel approached her with the news that she would bear a child. Her first incredulous reaction was, “How can that be? I haven’t been with a man.” Mary’s body was pure, unstained. She was a virgin. She probably made her own share of blunders growing up but she had not been touched by a man. She was betrothed, but she and Joseph had not broken the time-honored traditions of their people. And yet, for a moment, she questioned the credibility of the message this angel had brought. She must have wondered how she would explain this anomaly to Joseph. He would be hurt and perhaps a little angry. Would he leave her to face this pregnancy alone and what would become of her if he did? Where would she go and how would she support herself and her child? And what if she actually was stoned by her own people because they judged her to be immoral? That was a very real possibility in those times. But the angel encouraged her and promised that the Holy Spirit would be with her.

In her heart, she knew that she must accept this circumstance the Lord had placed upon her. And she did so willingly. I can’t imagine that there wouldn’t still be questions regarding all the details and logistics of the coming months of her life, but Mary accepted her role whatever that might entail and she grew in faith.

I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Luke 1:38

This is the season of Advent, a time of wonder and anticipation, a time to ponder the miracle and mystery of Christ’s birth.

Daily Guideposts: 25 Devotions for Advent