As we conclude Advent, the readings this week always hold a special place in my heart. This weekend, and all this past week, we hear of women in the Bible who desired to be mothers. This always resonated with me as I prayed for many, many years for a child and seemed to have my prayers go unanswered. At the beginning of one Advent season, when I was losing hope on that dream, a call came that changed everything, and I was going to be a mother. I’m sure I was not the only person who was struggling to become a parent. Some of you are or know people who are likely desiring to be parents. Even though it feels like you are the only one, you are not!

Our readings also remind us that nothing is impossible for God and that we are here to do His will. Did I understand His timing and what I was going through? NO! Is my parenting journey what I had hoped for and expected? Absolutely NOT! Do I trust that He has prepared me for this and is with me on this journey? YES!

As hard as it may be to understand His will and timing along our journey, He has a plan. As we conclude this Advent season, hold onto HOPE, wherever you may need to in your life. God sent His Son to save us and does not abandon us.