This is a busy time of year. It is also a time of year when grief can surface. Take time for yourself. In the midst of the busy-ness of the holidays, take time to listen to yourself. Grieve that which you have lost. Sit with dreams that have gone by the wayside. Give yourself time to just be. And while you are being gentle with yourself, remember that others struggle this time of year as well and be gentle with those you meet too.

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In Luke 1, Gabriel visits Zechariah and Mary 6 months apart. Zechariah is filled with terror and he doubts Gabriel tells him. Mary however is perplexed when Gabriel says "Greetings Favored One." She asks questions that show curiosity. The difference in our approach can make all the difference.

I have always wondered how things just always seemed to work for my dad. He would tell stories of a variety of experiences, some that I was with him, or other family members were with him, and things worked. I am beginning to wonder if it was in part of his curiosity about the world and an attitude to try things. Perhaps he was living into his favor with God.

I wonder what happens when we live as favored ones?

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We are a society of instant gratification. We don't like to wait. I am okay with planned waiting where I know I have an hour or something like that and I can read or play games or whatever. But the long, expectant waiting of Advent is not what we want to do. We like instant gratification.

Zechariah and Elizabeth had been waiting. They had hoped for a child and I wonder if in their fervent prayers for a child, that they had ever given up hope as the years went by. I wonder if that is part of the shock of this news. If they had given up hope of a child and God has come in an unexpected way and at an unexpected time.

Where in your life have you had to wait unexpectedly? When have you continued to pray for something to come about? Have you lost hope in the waiting or have you continued to trust God?

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