Waiting.....

We continue Advent and its time of waiting this Sunday - but we do get a chance to hear about the birth of Jesus Christ.  First, we go back to the Old Testament where Isaiah prophesies a sign from God - the virgin shall give birth to a son and name him Emmanuel (God with us).  The people who heard Isaiah must have thought, "How impossible!  How can a virgin have a baby?  How can God be with us?" 

And yet - that's exactly what happened.  Mary even asked Gabriel the same question - how can I have a child when I do not know man?  And Gabriel tells her, "The Holy Spirit shall come down upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you."  Talk about an intense encounter with God! 

So, the Gospel today echoes Isaiah to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophesy.  Joseph, Mary's husband, would have known this passage very well.  I sometimes wonder what went through Joseph's mind as he heard the angel telling him that all would be well.  It takes an immense amount of trust to accept these outrageous things happening in your life!

Finally, Paul reminds us that we are called to be holy.  I've been doing a lot of waiting lately.  I've had some health challenges and have been off work, waiting at home.  It's given me time to reflect on what it means to wait and I have learned I'm not the most patient person when it comes to waiting!  (Especially when I don't know when the waiting will be over...)  On the other hand, it has given me time to truly appreciate all the blessings I really do have.  I will be able to cover my health care expenses, and that's not something everyone can say.  I have a home, a job, food on my table, friends and family that truly and genuinely care about me.  I have much more than many people in this world. 

Like everyone else, I am looking forward to Christmas.  I will see other members of my family and I will be able to celebrate the Incarnation of God on this earth, and give thanks for all my many, many blessings.  I wish for each one of you a very blessed, peaceful Christmas with friends and family that you love.