December 2

The Vessel –

If I knew nothing of the Bible and was put on a task force to help God come up with a plan for the arrangements for his Son becoming human, I know just what I would recommend. A well-established family with some influence. Proven parents who showed evidence of doing the job well. Married. Secure. Leaders in the synagogue. This is God’s Son we’re talking about, as much as possible, you don’t leave things up to chance! Thank God that God didn’t consult me!

Mary was a teenager, out of wedlock, unproven, poor. And exactly the right vessel for bearing Christ into the world. It makes me wonder how often I miss Jesus because He isn’t packaged the way I expect, the way I’m willing to receive.

This Advent season, I am asking God to keep my eyes wide open. Is Jesus coming to me in the face of an unhoused person at the street corner? The immigrant afraid to leave their home? An in-law I struggle with? A spouse or friend whose weaknesses and warts I’m well aware of? Because I do know this- God arrives in the most unlikely ways, and I don’t want to miss it.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for Mary, and for every vessel you use to bring Christ into the world. Help me to have your eyes to see you when you’re in front of me. Amen.