Inspired by Scholastica

 

Pondering Christ’s Coming

After periods of dryness, darkness, and discouragement, it is sometimes hard to believe in the message of Christmas: “God is with us.” Yet when we really listen and let go of our fears, we can grasp that truth. We can sing, ‘Come Emmanuel, come to save us.” As we behold the stars at midnight, the smiles around the Christmas tree, the warmth of togetherness, we know that God is near, that we can feel safe in the heart of Jesus.

When the heavenly messenger came to Mary announcing that she would give birth to the Savior, she was stunned and hesitant to believe.  I’m sure she felt like this sounded too good to be true, and she questioned how this could come about. But she was willing to do whatever God asked of her.

And poor Joseph. He loved Mary and wanted to marry her, but how could she be with child already? In a dream, he was told that this was how God chose to become human. It seemed incredible that God would call a poor carpenter to be a part of this mystery, but he believed.

The prophets of old often questioned God’s ways and often felt unworthy to be chosen to foretell God’s message. Some felt fearful or even dried up like an old cornstalk, but they listened and were given the words and spirit to lead God’s people. 

This time of year can sometimes be burdensome with all the preparations, but we need to find a quiet place where we can dwell on the miracle of the birth of Jesus. Even when things don’t go quite right, we can be happy because we know those are minor in the light of the Lord’s coming.

So rejoice and be glad, his coming is near. “Come Emmanuel, come to save us.”

 

Barbara Mayer, OSB