It’s the most joyous time of the year…or so we are told by the oh so cheerful ads.  I want to feel that joy in the coming of the birth of Jesus. But life keeps interrupting my pitiful prayerful pleadings for peace: there is always something else calling for my attention. And then I think of sweet young Mary, full of grace and absorbing the unexpected joy of being called to be the Mother of God:

“…And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.” Luke 1:46-47

Luke tells us in his Gospel that she is joyful and accepts this mission that God has given her.  But honestly, woman to woman, can we imagine what kind of prayers Mary was silently praying?  “God, help me explain this to Joseph, to our families…Guide me to peace of mind…Give me real advice on how this is all going to work.”  And then, I do believe, that Mary finally looked to heaven and said to God, “I’m listening, I’m ready, let’s do this.”

Maybe I need to learn to use my prayer moments as time to listen for God’s voice in all the busyness of Advent. It is there to be heard, if I will be quiet and listen.

…Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46

Bonni Brophy King