Today, my wife and I celebrate twenty-eight years of married life. As I look at pictures of the person in the photos, I think, “How could God use even someone like me?” I showed up with wounds that ran deep and took years to process. Eventually, life happened, and many years later, I look back at my life and the journey it took to heal a difficult past. I took my vows as a young man, not knowing what lie before me. Now, an older man gives thanks for all the lessons learned, and grateful my incredible bride stayed the course and remained by my side. I am truly blessed.
I continue to think of the strength of our God, for it was Divine love that reigned down on us all. The same Spirit who uses the least of us all. The words of gratefulness rang through the air as Mary responded to her calling, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” A woman of lowly means, transformed by faith, and called by Divine urgency, became the vehicle by which the Messiah came into the world. The Gospel is not regulated to the wealthy and elite but comes to release all the captives free.
On this day of Advent, let us hold tight to the promise of our God. The light shines in the darkness, and all receive an invitation to respond to a new life. As we turn our eyes to Christmas, let us reflect on the lessons learned in our time of waiting. Hopefully, we will come to understand how God revealed Divine presence in our lives, even in the darkest of circumstances.
From a Pastor's Point of View 