By Rev. Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain

It often feels like we are waiting. You might experience this waiting in many different ways: waiting for a shopping order to be posted, waiting for your birthday, waiting for the holidays to start. For Year 12 students finishing exams, their waiting brings uncertainty and fear, but also hope, anticipation and even gratitude. A woman who is pregnant also needs to wait. Whilst the baby grows, there is that wonderful, drawn out, anticipation during the waiting, along with some fear of how life will change forever.

This was also Mary’s experience. At this time of the year, I can’t help but think about Mary’s story of faith as we draw closer to the beginning of Advent and Christmas. As we know, Mary is chosen by God to bear a child. While she waited for his birth and in spite of her challenging circumstances, she was able to move forward in her faith, singing a remarkable song of strength and hope.

But we shouldn’t think of Mary as naïve or passive. Even in the most vulnerable position, one where she could be accused of bearing a child to an unknown father – a serious offence in her day – Mary is courageous and faithful.

There are times when our waiting may bring us to dark places too. The story of faith is that you are not saved from difficult and dark places, but you are not asked to take these journeys alone.

Through the ages people have prayed Psalm 23 for courage and strength. It is about making a journey and finding strength while waiting in the midst of struggle. May it be a source of strength in those challenging times.

Psalm 23 (ERV)

The Lord is my shepherd.
I will always have everything I need.
He gives me green pastures to lie in.
He leads me by calm pools of water.
He restores my strength.
He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.
Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave,
I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me.
Your rod and staff comfort me.
You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies.
You welcomed me as an honoured guest.
My cup is full and spilling over.
Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life,
and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time.

Go in Peace,

Rev. Andy