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Expecting


Yes, I am, very definitely now, an expectant mother.

Expecting what?  It's such a neutral word; no clue in it whether the expectation is of good or bad.

Expecting the joy of welcoming a new life to the world.
Expecting sleepless nights and dirty nappies.
Expecting toothless grins and tiny toes.
Expecting life to change all over again.

Yes, there's a lot to expect with a new baby.  And when you're pregnant at this time of year, you can't help but think of Mary.  What did she expect?

Did she expect angel choirs... or grubby shepherds?
Did she expect costly gifts... or a bed of straw?
Did she expect a perfect haloed baby... or one like any other?
Did she expect the world to change... or take no notice?

And then, as we look forward to Christmas once again, what do we expect?

Do we expect the joy of celebration... or the pain of loss?
Do we expect good food and expensive presents... or the credit card bill?
Do we expect God with us... or a holly jolly Christmas?
Do we expect our lives to change all over again?

"Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant."
Luke 1:45-48 
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