Christmas is coming - 2021

I just read chapter 1 of the Gospel of Luke, in which the angel Gabriel visits Zachariah, a Jewish priest, to announce to him the upcoming, miraculous conception of John the Baptist. Immediately following this account, Gabriel visits Mary, a young teenager, announcing to her the miraculous conception of Jesus. For the first time I noticed the parallel between the two stories, but also the different ending of the conversations. Gabriel’s first words to both are, “Do not be afraid”.  Zachariah responds to Gabriel’s announcement stating: “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And because of that doubt he is temporarily turned dumb and deaf. Mary instead responds: “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” to which Gabriel responds with reassurance.  

So, why was Zachariah punished while Mary was reassured? It took me some research to find out the answer. Read till the end to find out. No spoiler.  

 Upon reflecting about it, I realized that my doubts and fears about what has happened in our lives this year have been similar to Zachariah’s. God has poured incredible grace onto our family, especially me, in 2021. Why do I doubt God when he has showered us with such blessings, in particular, through unforeseen and miraculous circumstances, the purchase of our condo in Ft. Myers, Florida? (https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wp8FJ5yAgbvTk17U9).     

Norine and I will be spending the coldest time of the year there starting in January. I can work remotely now (wow!). It had been a dream of mine for many years, one I never thought possible. It will also help with Norine’s asthma which, in 2021, combined with COVID, took a heavy toll. It’s a major life change and more changes are coming. And with changes, fear and doubt often linger around the corner.  Isabella will know by February if medical school is in her future or if God’s plan is different. It has been a long and often rough journey for our oldest. Emma is graduating with a nursing degree this coming April and will move back to Colorado. Pietro has changed his major to business and Paolo must decide soon about college. Both boys are working and saving for their own car (or truck?). And when we come back from Florida, Norine will need a knee replacement.   

This past year has also helped Norine and I to reflect more about the end of our lives and how we are preparing for it. After both our moms, we also lost a few friends in 2021. There is fear and natural suffering when somebody’s earthly life ends, but we should also rejoice, because, if we truly strive to live according to God’s will in good and in hard times, then a future free or sorrow and suffering awaits us in heaven.  

So how do we explain Zachariah and Mary?  John’s father is essential asking the angel: “How do I know I can trust you? How will you prove it?” On the other hand, Mary is not asking how she can trust God’s word. She is asking how it can be in a spirit or amazement and wonder instead of doubt.  

Our wish this Christmas is that we can all recover that youthful wonder and abandonment in God’s actions in our lives, reject fear and to be able to confidently say, like Mary: “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be onto me according to thy word”.   

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If you made it this far, you deserve a few of our best shots from 2021. Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all.

LOL

Salem Sue

The summer of "porcini"! Yum!

I took mom to the mountains with me

a field of columbines in Herman Gulch in early July

Norine's new hobby

Paolo and Rob... Yee boys

A new favorite spot

My favorite bird