Hope Lives - Advent Devotional Day 22

Scripture
"39 Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. 40 She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 With a loud voice she blurted out, 'God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. 43 Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.'” - Luke 1:39-45

Reflection
“Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
-Stephen King

The anticipation of new life provides an immense feeling of hope. Five years ago, I was awaiting the birth of my first child during the season of Advent. In addition to hope, I was feeling a lot of things all at the same time. Joy, anxiety, love, and the weight of being a dad for the first time were all swirling around in my head. It was through a handful of meaningful one-on-one conversations with close friends and family that I was able to find comfort in the anticipation of this new phase in my life. In this passage, we see the meeting of two women who were undoubtedly feeling a variety of emotions, but also, the overwhelming sense of hope that comes with new life. The spirit of God was palpably present in that moment of presence and encouragement, and both women were able to recognize God working in their lives. May the feeling of hope make its presence known during your advent.

Prayer
I pray for hope to grow in me. Amen.