Advent . . . a season of waiting.
I have had two children. One of the things I loved most about being pregnant was the stirring of my child in my womb. I would sit with my arms around my belly and feel my baby kick and move. At night, in bed, I would lie on my side and feel this small one keep me company. I waited, and I wondered what this child would be like.
I feel a similar sense of expectancy this season. We light the second candle on the Advent wreath, and we know that Christmas is coming, the same way that Mary knew that her child would be coming.
I can only imagine what Mary must have been thinking about. I knew how my child had come to be. Mary’s child had not come the same way. Every time Mary felt her baby stirring, she was reminded that this child had prophesy and promise attatched.
And yet, thirty-three years later she saw this prophesy murdered on a cross. I would have gone insane. But Mary didn’t go insane, and three days later she witnessed a miracle even greater than that of the conception of her child.
In this Advent year of 2009, many are very afraid. So many have lost so many things. So many are suffering. But God gave us a promise in Isaiah 43:
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
Mary did not live to see the prophesy for her child come to be, but she witnessed her son die, and then through the power of God, she witnessed this child overcome death. And as she held her beloved son, brought to life a second time, she had to know that despite all appearances, all would be well.
This Advent, as we wait for God to manifest, may we take heart from Mary’s experience. May we know that, despite any and all appearances, God is in charge, and all will be well.
