"This is the irrational season, when love blooms bright and wild.
Had Mary been filled with reason, there'd have been no room for the child."
-Madeline L'Engle
In my opinion, this is one of the most beautifully eloquent and true statements that summarizes the Christmas season. Think about it. What if Mary had just said, "No. That's ridiculous, Gabe. I just don't think I have time to harbor and bear the savior of the world, but thanks for the offer!" Of course, she, like any normal human, was astounded and confused but eventually, she consented and said, (and I know this line very well...I played Mary in the Nativity Story at church for like 5 years growing up) "Be it unto me according to thy word."
Be it unto me according to thy word. Another translation offers this wording: "may it be done to me according to your word." Yet another example of giving up control. How much more blatant could this theme possibly be in my life? And how grateful I am that it is during advent that I am learning this. Advent: the time of anticipation for the coming of Christ the child...of waiting for the God incarnate baby...the days in which Christians everywhere sit, wait, and prepare. So, that's what I should do.
Sometimes I am too filled with reason. I don't leave room for God...I don't leave room for the child. For now, I should embrace irrationality. Like Mary, maybe I should throw caution to the wind. I hope I can learn to wait...with patience. Not with anxiety or frustration...but with baited breath and excitement. I pray for this not just during this season of the liturgical calandar specifically revolving around anticipation, but I pray for this every day. I hope I will seek this as sincerely on June 15th as much as I do today, December 5th (after all, Jesus wasn't actually born in December anyway.)
God, teach me to wait patiently for your arrival...today and every day. Show me how to embrace the irrationality of this season and of your love. Allow me to make room for your son...Christ our redeemer who sleeps on the hay in a dirty, lowly manger. Amen.
