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 A collective reflection on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love Monday, December 16, 2024 |
| Expectant Joy Luke 1:26-38, John 19:25-27 (CSB) I’m sure your day often starts as it always does, each day beginning the same. For me, the sound of our coffee machine is my alarm. It sounds like an airplane is landing in our home, but the smell of coffee draws me from bed to the blue chair in the corner of our kitchen. I like to start my day here, reading and reflecting with God. We expect our days to go a certain way…maybe according to what your calendar tells you. Until it doesn’t. Mary had a day such as this…a normal day. Until it wasn’t. An angel visited Mary and spoke words that elicited both fear and confusion. A child to be born to an unwed virgin? Not only that, but he is to be Son of the Most High, Jesus. Mary’s day took a turn in a completely unexpected way. While you may not have had angels descend upon you recently, you’ve likely had your day start one way and then come to a screeching halt. I am often amazed (sometimes overwhelmed) by the number of zigs and zags in my day. Some good, some not so much. But what I love about Mary’s response is that it demonstrates a simple yet deep faith. “For nothing will be impossible with God.” “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Later in John, we see that this promise is fulfilled, as Jesus directly speaks to his mother who is kneeling near the cross. We know that the Lord’s ways often feel unclear; there may be zigs and zags that are unexpected. But what we declare with great joy is that he is Emmanuel, God with us. By Brooke Hodnefield PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, my days are often filled with the unexpected, the unplanned, and many distractions that take me away from you and the best version of myself. Thank you for being with me as I navigate this day. I celebrate your presence in my life and thank you for being near. While people and life may confuse and disappoint me, you are Emmanuel, God with us, God with me. You get me, you know me, and “it will happen to me as you have said.” I believe in you and have great joy because I can trust you with my whole heart. |
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