Wondering and pondering

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question 
than a fool can learn from a wise answer. –Bruce Lee


Advent Three. The week we light the candle that doesn’t match, the Candle of Joy, or the Angel’s Candle. The pink candle reminds us of when God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary—with news that rocked her world, and continues to rock our world today.

The way Luke shares the story (1:26-38) is pretty “bare bones,” leaving plenty of room for imagination—and speculation. Was Mary excited and eager, or fearful? (What about Joseph?) Did they tell anyone else? What did the angel look like? Does it matter to my faith whether Mary was a virgin? (The words in the original languages simply mean “young girl.”)

This time of year, it can be tempting to stop asking questions and simply lie back and bask in the “Christmas card” imagery of starlight, snowflakes and quiet peace. But it’s important to remember that God came as a vulnerable, human baby into a world filled with violence, uncertainty and strife. And why?

Because God loves us.

So if God could choose and use a virgin, and come as a baby to bring love into the world, who’s to say God isn’t choosing and using an elderly grandmother . . . or a young black man . . . or a tired soldier to bring God’s plan of restoration and revelation of Love to light in the 21st century? Who are we to think God isn’t using—us? Stranger things have happened.

(Seven points to ponder this week.)
Monday God sent his angel to a child, who would bear a child. Can you imagine being Mary? Luke 1:26-28
Tuesday Imagine receiving an angel messenger in your life? What does this “Gabriel” look like? Isaiah 6:1-4
Wednesday God’s euangelion, or good news, came to those in life’s margins, the poverty pockets of Jerusalem. Where do you see God’s hand at work in your community? Luke 2:8-14
Thursday God’s people waited a long time for the Messiah. (Many are still waiting.) Imagine waiting, trusting—hoping in faith. Luke 2:36-38
Friday Not everyone was pleased at the baby’s birth. Imagine fleeing from the only home you’ve known, with a days-old baby, into a foreign land. Matthew 2:13-18
Saturday In today’s world, we remember the stories of Jesus’ birth by reading them again. Imagine not having the written word. What story would you learn to tell every year to your children or grandchildren? Isaiah 9:2-7
Sunday From the beginning, Jesus’ cousin John seemed to have a prophet’s “inside track”; yet even John had times of questioning and uncertainty. Today, embrace your doubts. Matthew 11:2-6
By doubting, we are led to question; by questioning, we arrive at truth. –Peter Abelard


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