Gabriel was sent to Nazareth in Galilee,
to Mary, engaged to Joseph.
In the particular real things around you
look for God.
He said, “Greetings, favored one!
The Lord is with you.”
Sitting here now at your computer,
God is with you. Welcome the Holy One.
She was perplexed, but the angel said,
“Do not be afraid.”
God’s whispers can rattle us.
Don’t be afraid to listen.
“You will conceive a son,
and he will be great.”
God’s grace is blooming in you.
Nourish the Holy within.
“He will rule over the house of Jacob forever;
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
God is renewing all of Creation.
Trust your part in the Great Work.
“How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you.”
It’s not about you, but God,
whose goodness can use what life you offer.
“Now Elizabeth in her old age has conceived.
For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Nothing.
Nothing.
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word.”
Yes.
Yes.
Then the angel departed from her.
We don’t always feel God’s presence;
but the promise has already been kept.
[Luke 1.26-38]
— December 22, 2014