Following the Star

Pause

God loves you.

Such a simple phrase and yet so hard to wrap our brains around some days. In these busy days of Advent leading up to Christmas, let’s pause as we think about this week of love. Today, may you be reminded of one of the ways God loves you.

Listen

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Luke 1:26-29

Think

“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” What in the world? How do you respond to that?! Not to mention the fact that it came from an angel! Mary’s response seems oddly calm — perplexed and pondering.

I love that the Bible verses for today end here. I spend a lot of time being much perplexed and pondering. It is comforting to me that I am not the only one. Sometimes God greets us with perplexing words. Just the beginnings of the conversation leave us wondering what is coming next, anticipating more. God comes to us and speaks to us in expected and unexpected ways. Be on the lookout for the beginnings of conversations with God. Be prepared to be perplexed. Get ready to ponder. Most of all, expect that it might not be what you expect!

Ruth Perkins Lee

Pray

God, you surprise me! Help me to know when you are starting conversations with me. I don’t want to miss it. Amen.

Go

Go now knowing that you are loved by God. You always have been. You always will be.

Go and share that love with the whole world. Make sure everybody knows.