Advent is the season when we are invited to metaphorically join with Mary in her positive expectancy of the birth of Jesus, in her hope of things unseen. Mary was preparing for the birth of a baby. Pregnancy is a time when a woman takes inventory of what she has and what she needs; an occasion when she considers what everyday choices provide the best support for the nurturing of new life.
Advent provides us with the opportunity to take a spiritual inventory as we symbolically join with Mary in awaiting the birth of new life. The story is told that Mary found out about her pregnancy through a visit from an angel. As we begin our inventory, let us hear the address of the angel speaking in a personal way to our hearts,
“Greetings favored one. The Lord is with you.”
In what context do you most need to hear this greeting? Perhaps one of these apply:
“Greetings favored one. As you await new life in your marriage, the Lord is with you.”
“Greetings favored one. As you await new life in your body, the Lord is with you.”
“Greetings favored one. As you await new life in your career, the Lord is with you.”
“Greetings favored one. As you await new life in your finances, the Lord is with you.”
“Greetings favored one. As you await new life in your relationships, the Lord is with you.”
"Greetings favored one. As you await new life through letting go, the Lord is with you."
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
As you prepare for the birth of new life, what resources do you have, and what resources do you need? What personal choices best support the nurturing of new life for you?
As we join in the prayer of positive expectancy this Advent season,
may you know yourself to be favored,
and may you feel the presence of Love with you always.