First Sunday in Advent - 2020


Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel

Before the end of the year comes, those who follow the Christian Liturgical Calendar pause and reflect ... and prepare. And oh, what a year for this! Though there is still a month of 2020 left, and who knows if there is more to come, it has been a challenging one. On a global level and a personal one. So, to pause is a good thing. To breathe, to be still, to be present. To hope.

I heard a message this morning on 'enough' ... not said in frustration or to minimize, but to accept. The talk was about Mary, who did not react in fear but with curiosity and acceptance. A teenager, a virgin, exactly like the 'perfect' girls of today, but not. And yet, she knew, at some level, that she was chosen. She knew she was enough for God's big picture. 

I could extend that and say that we, too, are 'enough' for God's big picture. We, too, have a purpose and we should not look ahead with fear, but with curiosity and acceptance. The road is not easy, Mary certainly did not live in the lap of luxury, and she went through some very trying and challenging times - the journey to Bethlehem right at the time of expecting, giving birth in a dirty stable, having to run from 'home' with an infant, losing her child in the temple, and then losing her child to a most horrific death. And I know she had more children ... who knows, maybe she was even a single mother for while. But, she trusted, and she knew. And she believed. 

A friend told me this last week that this is the time to return to my roots. The road for me has not been easy, but I have managed. And, as of recent, another curve-ball has been thrown at me and I have been derailed, again. If I take Mary as a role model, I will not fear what is to come, but look upon it with curiosity. I will wonder what God has in store for me now. I know I have a purpose, a story that has not yet been told. And it might be difficult and it might be challenging but I am not alone. I will persevere. I will trust. I will believe. For I know that I am enough.

I will remember the traditions and the history. I will enter into a contemplative place and be present with You. I will read again the stories that have gone before. And I will endeavour to live my own story, with faith and dedication. And I will not lose hope. That is one thing I can cling to and pray for and know that God's promises are true. 

Oh Come, Emmanuel ... this world is crying. Not any more than in the past, but for us, not any less. This year has been so difficult for many, loss of so much, confusion, pain. Uncertainty. Please bring comfort to those who struggle. I know my time is not over yet, but I bid you come ... 

Oh Come, Emmanuel ... come into my life, infuse it throughout every molecule, make what time is left for me be for You, my focus, my purpose, my dedication. Be present with me in each breath and step that I take, come ... 

Oh Come, Emmanuel .. come and partner me with the journey onward, wherever I am to go, whatever is to come, let me find strength in you and abide in your promises. 

Oh Come, Emmanuel.

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