Tuesday, November 29
Who is ever ready to give birth to a child? In today’s world we diligently prepare for this transformational moment with tests, ultrasounds, a new vitamin regimen and the difficult switch to decaf. The home is reorganized — a room painted a new pastel shade, a crib assembled, a mobile hung. Dangers
are foreseen, with every outlet plugged for safety, every corner padded and every dangerous cupboard door locked. The parents-to-be are showered with gifts — diapers, wipes, tiny nail clippers and strange tools like a rubber bulb to suck snot out of infant nostrils. Birthing classes are taken and parenting books read. Car seats are bought and installed. Yet, even after all this preparation, parents are not ready. They’ll never be ready for the wild wonder and extravagant chaos a new baby brings. When the swaddled bundle of baby is placed in a mother’s arms, she can’t help but wonder, “Is this real?”
Mary may have been 13 years old, or 16. It’s impossible to imagine her being ready for the birth of her son, our Savior. No doctors, no tests, no vitamins to swallow with breakfast. She was betrothed, but not yet married when the good news first broke. And yet she was bold enough and brave enough to say yes to God. “Let it be with me according to your word.”
Nothing can prepare us for the birth of the One who comes to turn our world and our lives upside down. This Advent, let us simply prepare to be unprepared, to be bold enough and brave enough to say yes to God, trusting that when the new baby cries – wonder of wonders – God is with us.
PRAYER
Holy of holies, you break into our lives in unexpected and unplanned ways. We’d prefer to know your plans. We’d prefer to make our lists and check off each task, confident we will be
prepared for all you have in store for us. Yet you are the God who makes all things new. Help us rejoice in your holy surprises. May we trust in your plans, like Mary. Amen.