Control itself is an illusion. We live in a world that is not determined by our sensibilities. Throughout the course of our life, the only predictable element is the capriciousness of life. We will lose people we love. Plans will not come to form in the ways we imagined. We will have exuberant, overwhelming surprises of joy, and other times of unimaginable loss.
Imagine Mary, living a life beyond her plans. Pregnant, in a life that is different than she could have possibly pictured. Travelling, great with child, uncomfortable, scared, lonely. In a strange land and strange circumstances. Getting ready to deliver a dream and a hope and a child that will change the world forever. Owning that truth, yet unable to even begin to picture what that means.
This is true for the story of Advent. It is a story with the same ingredients. A journey, a sacrifice, an injection of hope, a golden thread of redemption, woven together into the narrative that shapes our very relationship with creation, with the Creator. The difference between our stories and this story is the Storyteller. This is not just a story. This is THE story. One that has the potential to transform our lives and hearts, if we give permission.
JoyPlusGrace 