It’s getting closer. The theory is beginning to become only too real. The hopes and fears of a nation, indeed the whole of creation, may rest on the response of one young woman. How is she supposed to respond? How does she come to say ‘yes’?

Have you been in a situation where you have been aware of God challenging you to make or accept a change in your life?

• How did that feel?
• What did it take to make you trust that it could possibly be OK – if you did get to that point?
• If you did manage to come to a place of trust, were you right to do so?

If you are in a group, take time to talk about this.

Bible Readings

2 Samuel 7:1–11 & 16

David is wondering whether he will ever be the king that he believed he was called to be. He has got the palace sorted and the kingdom fairly secure, but what about a house for God?

• Why do you think David was so anxious to build a house for God?
• What do you make of what Nathan says about God journeying with Israel, living in a tent?
• How important is place and security for you?

Luke 1:26–38

Now it really is getting serious. No more talk of temples, palaces or even tents. Now God is being entrusted to a girl, not even married yet – though promised to Joseph, a descendant of David. Remember the promise in the reading from Samuel about God sticking with David.

• What does it mean for God to be this vulnerable?
• How do you respond to the talk of kingship in this passage?
• What must have been going through Mary’s mind – and how did she come to trust?

Questions to consider

• What is the place of doubt when it comes to trusting?
• Is it really possible to trust that God’s presence in the world can make all things new?

If you are working in a group, then you may discuss some or all of these questions – or your conversation and prayer may take you somewhere else entirely. The important thing is to take time to reflect and pray in whatever way is most appropriate for you.

This meditation can be downloaded as a PDF here: Advent Meditations Week 4.