Act 4 - 999

There wasn't much time today for reaching out to folk outside of our little family, but the act did give us chance to think about who we can help and how we can help them. We don't have much time - working and studying sees to that - and we have very little spare money. How do we help people without time or money?
For me it's all about trying to be as open and gentle as I can be to those I meet throughout my day, receptive to their needs and what their struggles might be. A very busy work environment like mine can be unforgiving to someone having an off day, but we all have them. Each person we meet throughout our day has their own unseen or unknown struggles. Be gentle with people.

‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ (John 13:34–35 NIV)

2nd December

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” -Luke 1:28

This must have been terrifying for Mary, but in the gospel account she appears to take it all in her stride! Was she really so calm, serene and obedient? Did she feel the Lord with her and did it make her fear subside? During the tough and scary times it's hard to always be aware of God being alongside us, sometimes it's not until afterwards we can discern that he was near by. If we know someone is struggling this Advent they may have no sense of God being close, so part of our call is to journey with them too. Maybe God will use us to give them courage.