This week I’ve been reflecting on Mary and reading about Mary’s visit by an angel in which he told Mary that she was going to be the mother of God’s son. This must have been such an overwhelming calling. I think just the appearance of the angel would have scared me half to death. There must have been so many questions going through her head, such as, “Pregnant? Me? How can I raise this child? Am I worthy of this calling? Am I strong enough or good enough? What should I do?” Each of us at one point in time has asked these or similar questions after realizing God’s calling. We know that God doesn’t call the equipped; God equips the called. Throughout scripture, God calls the least likely people to do amazing things in God’s name. Let’s face it: Noah was a drunk; Abraham was too old; Moses didn’t speak very well; Jonah ran from God; David was too young; and, possibly the most crazy of all, Isaiah preached naked. Yet, all of these people were called by God to do some pretty amazing things. Noah built an ark which helped save God’s creation; Abraham became the father of a great nation; Moses faced Pharaoh; Jonah delivered God’s message; David slayed a giant; Isaiah preached the word of God! Mary was just a young girl with a new fiancé and her whole life ahead of her when suddenly an angel approached her with strange news that she would be the next in line of strange and unequipped people to follow God’s calling. But she answered that calling with confidence, ready to face what was ahead of her, because she knew God was with her. God has called each and every one of us to something that might scare us when we first hear it. God’s calling often takes us out of our comfort zone and places us in God’s hands. May we follow God’s call, trusting totally in the one who leads us. How is God calling you out of your comfort zone this Advent season? God of Presence, you call us to follow you, even if it takes us to places that can feel uncomfortable. Show your comforting presence in our lives. Guide our paths. AMEN. Luke 1:26-31 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”