Metropolitan Museum of Art. Stained Glass in Medieval Europe, German 1444
Isaiah 35: 1-10
Psalm 85: 8-13
Luke 5: 17-26
Mary’s time was fast approaching when the words of the angel would be fulfilled. What were her thoughts, this young girl who the angel had told would be the mother of the Son of the Most High, the Messiah. Was she apprehensive? Was she having doubts about the actual words of the angel? Did she fully understand his message? What a blessing that she had had time with her cousin Elizabeth, the birth of whose baby had also been foretold by an angel. Mary and Elizabeth had upheld each other in their time of waiting, both in awe and wonderment of the special sons they would mother.
Awaiting the birth of a baby is always exciting. Mary’s anticipation would have been high. What would he be like, this human boy whose father was God? Did she turn to the scriptures for confirmation, for peace of mind?
Mary would have known the words of the prophets and may have pondered on Isaiah’s prophesy. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a world transformed by the coming of God. “Deserts bloom, the lame leap, the blind see, and the ransomed of the Lord return with singing.” Isaiah shows us God is on the way.
The psalmist assures us that “God speaks peace to His faithful people” and that “surely His salvation is near.”
So, we wait with holy anticipation. Peace is on the way. We wait with Mary, trusting that God’s great promise is about to arrive. Come Lord Jesus.
Carolyn Madeley