December 3

When is the last time you rejoiced? Not just be happy or pleased, but really rejoiced? And what was the circumstance? For me, I only rejoice when a dream or passionate desire is fulfilled. Always after the event has happened. But Mary is told to rejoice before Jesus is even conceived. How can a young unmarried lady do this? God sometimes calls the young and not the mature, because the younger disciples don’t give excuses for not believing God.

God saw she had the faith to do this task. God knew Mary had the faith relationship with him, so she could bear the child, raise her son, see him minister and watch him die. And she could rejoice at the beginning of this adventure, ignoring the stress and worry, and focus on God’s favor. I do not think I have that much faith.

The magnificent God, creator of the universe, calls to each of us at times and requests that we rejoice in what will come. Not just in what we have received. The Lord God wants us to enjoy his creation and not just exist within it. Joy is a choice, which I often forget. I must remember not only to be thankful for what I have, but also to rejoice in God’s goodness to a broken world. Not focusing on pain or loss, but rejoicing that God exists and has a plan for redemption of the world. May all who read this, accept of the challenge, just like Mary did.

Prayer: Father, thank you for calling us to rejoice before we receive. Let us remember that sometimes we are called to tasks bigger than ourselves, so we can rely on you alone for the completion of the work. In Jesus name. Amen.