Lately I have been pondering what I’m supposed to be anticipating during this season of Advent. I can, of course, fall back on the conventional answer: the birth of Jesus, the arrival of the Christ child. But what does that mean? Does that make any difference in the world where I live? Not much, if I insist on waiting for God at a safe distance.

When I read the story of Mary’s experience (in the gospel of Luke) I am left with the impression that she wasn't anticipating the appearance of God’s messenger nor prepared for the news that she was to be the “God bearer”. I think the anticipation, the “watching and waiting”, began only after she gave her consent to be part of what God was doing in the world.

I believe my problem is not really an issue of ability but of willingness. God is always coming to us. It is easy to miss because it is so radical, beyond our normal categories of interpretation. The presence of God, God-with-us, turns the acceptable, the normal and customary upside down. I can only experience that if I am willing to say “Yes” to God and become part of the story.