Read Luke 1:57-66.
“What then will this child become?” I think most parents ponder this question throughout their child’s lifetime, if not multiple times. Sometimes it is a deep wonderment, imagining the amazing things this child will do. Other moments might include a headshaking frustration, wondering what will become of this child.
I appreciate in this scripture that it is not just the wonderment of the parents, but of the community. After a journey with infertility, Elizabeth became pregnant, leaving her husband, Zechariah, in disbelief. Zechariah would not be able to speak for the remainder of her pregnancy. Now, this child is born, and even though Zechariah cannot speak, he proudly names the infant.
The community has heard about the birth of this child. Fear came over them but, in scripture, fear can also be a word that indicates respect and reverence. It caused the people to pause. They wondered: what will this child become?
There is so much in this world that scares me as a parent – gun violence, the lack of understanding of diversity that seems rampant in our politics, and climate change. I want better for all future generations. So, to hear a community pause with reverence and respect and ask, “what then will this child become?” insists that there is a future for this child. To ask this question means a lovely wonderment in which the community can participate in caring for this child. This is my hope in Advent.
Pray
God-with-us, with fear we look to you this Advent season, asking that your Spirit transform us and our communities. May we embrace your children and delight in what they will become. Amen.
Rev. Katrina Pekich-Bundy
Interfaith Chaplain, Alma College
Words for Waiting 