Written for Awaken Community‘s Advent Art series, read Nov. 27, 2016

Mary was waiting

I’m sure she had thought about having children –
likely she even anticipated what it would be like to experience pregnancy.
She dreamt of marrying Joseph,
then having kids.
She dreamt of building a life together with the support of her community.

Yet, with one angel, all of this changed.

Suddenly, she was waiting for the Son of God to grow within her,
all the while the neighbors gossiped.
She waited in joy for a son, whom she would hold, cradle, nurse, and nurture.
And she waited with anxiety as she bore the weight of judging eyes.

Joseph was waiting

He never considered staying with Mary after she became pregnant.
He waited to quietly break things off, not wanting to make a scene around town.

Yet, with one angel, all of this changed.

So he waited to wed, to consummate, to meet this Son of God.
He never dreamt of caring for another’s son as his own.

He never imagined this child being born in a stable, far from their home.
He never considered three wise men would travel so far,
finding them in the middle of nowhere,
to bless a newborn with gifts worthy of a king.

We are waiting

Through seasons and unmet expectations,
We wait.
Could God be preparing us for a blessing in this time?
And how much bigger might His plan be than ours?

How could He use us to bless others?

Others are waiting

Waiting for someone to care.
To ask their name.
To share a meal.
To learn their story.
To look beyond circumstances.
To see their humanity.
To be Christ on this earth.

Sometimes we must wait.

And sometimes we must help others in their season of waiting.

Waiting doesn’t always look the way we think it should.

In the midst of waiting, Mary finds joy in chaos.
In the midst of undesirable circumstances, Joseph is blessed.

How will we wait?

Disclaimer: above photo as a reference to baby Jesus, not to personal waiting for a baby of our own. Also, pop over to Haley Earley Photography for more fun photos!