I am crafting today’s reflection on a flight. Although I do not have a fear of flying there are certainly elements of trust and unknown that are factored into air travel. I have to trust the pilots who are getting me from point A to point B, who are the only persons actually seeing what is in front of me. I have to trust the maintenance workers and the ground crews who ensure the safety of the aircraft and the movement of luggage, fuel, provisions, etc. And possibly most important I, along with the pilots, have to trust the air traffic controllers who ensure flights are taking off and landing in a sequential order that keeps everyone safe while ensuring efficiencies. There is a lot of trust that goes into air travel. In today’s third reading we are reminded that Mary was burdened with some unimaginable news, but her trust in what Gabriel shared with her and her trust in the Lord were far greater than any trust we may have to exercise in our own daily lives. 

In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary reveals that the birth of her son will be unlike anything the world has ever seen. While the virgin birth itself is miraculous, the true significance of this child lies in His identity and work. Gabriel tells Mary that her son will be named Jesus, which means "He saves." This name speaks not only to His mission of salvation from sin, but to His power to save us from all the struggles of life—death, division, loneliness, and pain. 

With the trust of Mary and the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus came to redeem a broken world and offer hope to all who are suffering. As we reflect on this incredible promise, we remember that Jesus is not just a figure in history but the Savior who delivers us from all the sin and strife in our damaged and untrustworthy world. 

In these verses of Isaiah, Gabriel also declared that Jesus will be the "Son of the Most High," a title that reveals His divine nature and authority. Despite His lofty pedigree, Jesus came in humility, embodying God's love and compassion for the lowly and the broken. He sets aside His divine privileges to walk among us, ultimately sacrificing Himself on the cross for our salvation. 

Dear Lord, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of your Son this Advent season, please help us to trust in You. Guide us when our love and trust of others and your plan for our lives and our world are called into question by our sinful nature.  May we forever trust in You and the mercy, grace, and love that you have given us through our Savior Jesus Christ so that one day we may inherit the Kingdom of Glory. Amen.