these weeks before Christmas are filled with stories of visiting angels. some arrive in the light of day, others appear in the dark warmth of sleep. when these angels arrive the world shifts and people pay attention.
be it day or night, be awake or asleep – your life is changed. as if it were a dream, there are few distractions. focus is required. Mary, young and open, is told she will mother a child who would be God-among-us. Joseph, burdened with his unexpected responsibility, is stirred in his sleep to learn that his role in parenting this child is primary. through his youth Jesus would learn a trade and grow by the side of a wise and faithful man.
both Mary and Joseph were awakened. alerted to God’s presence and call in their lives.
formation, to become a mother and father, is not something that happens in a flash. it is a process. when the adrenaline-packed energy of an angel’s visit begins to wane the next step must come with determination and commitment as does the step that follows. when inspiration and energy has run its course moving ahead requires faith. that is moving ahead even though the future is not clear.
in this season we are reminded to believe in things that cannot yet be seen. to do this requires faith. may we find inspiration in the stories shared of visiting angels and faith-filled people. people who said ‘yes’ even though the future was not clear.
“Angel Visits Joseph” by A. K. Satheesan, 2009. This painting is done in the traditional mural art style of Kerala, India.
Carrie's Bench 