Our music director also found herself without an easy way out of her driveway and road, so she asked if I could play guitar for the morning mass. I was already a little behind my normal schedule because I had shoveled a path from the house to our cabin where Katrina's family is staying. However, I was able to quickly switch gears and put some music together. It actually turned out pretty well--especially since Katrina led the congregation as cantor; I absolutely love her voice!
I believe that Mary felt a similar sense of rushed anticipation and happiness. Despite her young age, she knew what she was getting into--and yet no one could have fully understood what was going on. In our readings at the masses, we move between Mary's acceptance of God's plan for her to the celebration of the birth of her son. Jesus' arrival was sudden enough that she had to give birth in a stable. Suddenly there were shepherds arriving with stories about angels singing, all wanting to see her child.
Jesus can arrive in our lives with the same pleasant suddenness. He can bring to fruition circumstances which we had originally thought of as far away or even impossible. He can also completely change the way that we think our lives are headed. May we greet him with the same joy that Mary did.