Advent II Wondering
Luke 2:26-38
Advent is the season set aside to remember Christ's coming in the manger in Bethlehem so long ago. It is also a time to remember and prepare ourselves for His second Advent. In my personal Bible reading this week, there have been many passages talking about Christ coming again. "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him...." (Rev. 1:7) is what I read today. These passages leave me wondering...how?...when?....what will it all mean?
As the first Advent of Christ was proclaimed by the angel Gabriel to Mary, she experienced a range of emotions and questions. Maybe observing Mary's responses can help us in our wonderings.
Luke 2:29 tells us, Mary was "greatly troubled" and "wondered what kind of greeting this might be" when the angel Gabriel visited her. The messenger hadn't yet shared the good news that the "Son of the Most High" who would be given the throne of David with an never ending kingdom (Luke 2:32-33) would be her child. After that, her wondering included the obvious, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 2:34)
Comparing Mary to Zechariah, I believe that her questioning wasn't lacking in faith. Zechariah asked for personal assurance, ("How can I be sure of this?" Luke 1:18). Mary asked for knowledge ("How will this be? Luke 2:34). I think the fear that overcame her when the angel greeted her and then the inquiry about how she would have a child since she was a virgin were evidence of her belief that God was powerful and active. That something signficant was going to happen. The angel's response carries no rebuke, but details what is going to happen. He also shares the good news of Elizabeth's pregnancy and the fact that "nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 2:37).
Mary's faith-filled questioning and beautiful response to Gabriel's answer ("I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Luke 2:38) are an example for us to consider and follow when God's Word causes us to wonder. Be like Mary. Be open to experiencing your emotions. Be open to believing the impossible is possible. Be free to ask God questions. Be willing to submit to Him.
Advent is the season set aside to remember Christ's coming in the manger in Bethlehem so long ago. It is also a time to remember and prepare ourselves for His second Advent. In my personal Bible reading this week, there have been many passages talking about Christ coming again. "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him...." (Rev. 1:7) is what I read today. These passages leave me wondering...how?...when?....what will it all mean?
As the first Advent of Christ was proclaimed by the angel Gabriel to Mary, she experienced a range of emotions and questions. Maybe observing Mary's responses can help us in our wonderings.
Luke 2:29 tells us, Mary was "greatly troubled" and "wondered what kind of greeting this might be" when the angel Gabriel visited her. The messenger hadn't yet shared the good news that the "Son of the Most High" who would be given the throne of David with an never ending kingdom (Luke 2:32-33) would be her child. After that, her wondering included the obvious, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 2:34)
Comparing Mary to Zechariah, I believe that her questioning wasn't lacking in faith. Zechariah asked for personal assurance, ("How can I be sure of this?" Luke 1:18). Mary asked for knowledge ("How will this be? Luke 2:34). I think the fear that overcame her when the angel greeted her and then the inquiry about how she would have a child since she was a virgin were evidence of her belief that God was powerful and active. That something signficant was going to happen. The angel's response carries no rebuke, but details what is going to happen. He also shares the good news of Elizabeth's pregnancy and the fact that "nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 2:37).
Mary's faith-filled questioning and beautiful response to Gabriel's answer ("I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Luke 2:38) are an example for us to consider and follow when God's Word causes us to wonder. Be like Mary. Be open to experiencing your emotions. Be open to believing the impossible is possible. Be free to ask God questions. Be willing to submit to Him.
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