26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (Luke 1)
It's almost automatic: angelic message from God means fearful response. It doesn't happen every day, and when it does, it seems like one's life is being invaded. But from God's perspective (which is the true one) this is "finding favor" with God. It means God has chosen this person for something special, unique, important, and adventurous. Sound good? Yet, for many of us, we would rather stay in fear than see what God has in store for us. Mary and Joseph found out. God called; they answered; it was a journey of a lifetime and more. It's all a matter of what we do with our fears - hide behind them, or turn to God in trust in the face of the unknown, the new, the downright scary. May this Advent season be a time when we are ready to listen to God's call, face our fears, and say "Yes, Lord, whatever you want; I'll do it."
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