12.16.2009

Advent in Your Everyday: Day #19

Today's Photo: "The Track"

The angel went to Mary and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord
is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered
what kind of
greeting this might be. - Luke 1:28-29

Remember that angel, Gabriel, who let Zechariah know that his elderly wife was going to have a miracle baby? The angel who also let Zechariah know that his voice was going to be taken away throughout his wife's pregnancy? Well, that same angel is the one who lets Mary know that she's going to have a baby straight from God. I never noticed before, but Mary's initial reaction to her encounter with the heavenly creature is "greatly troubled." Isn't that interesting? Initially, Mary sees the angel and even hears the angel say, "Mary, God really likes you." And still, she's troubled.

It makes me wonder how often I assume the worst. How often does God want to share good news with me, and instead, I assume it's something negative or bad? How often do I presume that someone is upset or disappointed in me when really that couldn't be farther from the truth?

How about you? Have you ever spent time feeling "greatly troubled" about an issue that really ended up being the exact opposite of the negative outcome you had been worrying about? Who are the Gabriels in your life that want to share God's good news with you? Do you listen?

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