December 11, 2024

 If you’ve ever been confused about things that were happening to you, join the club! You may be like Job, enduring all sorts of problems, from the loss of possessions and people in your life, or you may be like Solomon, wondering at the blessings and favor God has dumped into your lap. Either way, life can be somewhat perplexing.

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.” —Luke 1:26-29 

Mary had such an experience; an angel visitation. If an angel suddenly appeared, telling me I was favored by God and that God was with me in a special way, you can bet I would be more than a little confused. I can think of lots of people who are more likely and worthy candidates for such favor than I. Like Mary, I would be trying to think what such a message could mean.

In this Advent season, try to be extra aware of the ways God might be wanting to pay you a visit. You might not believe you’re worthy of it, but God’s grace isn’t dependent on our worthiness. And if you think you’ve experienced a divine visitation, don’t just jump into the first reaction that comes to mind. Think on it. Let it sink in. God takes his time, and you don’t need to short-circuit his plans by thoughtless action.