We often expect a wonderfully staged television Christmas production to be played out in front of us. But it seldom ever turns out the way we expect. When Midnight Mass arrives or the wonderful chaotic children s Christmas pageant, we can be too distracted or plain out tired to be significantly moved the by liturgy. Or the long anticipated family homecoming might only exacerbate underlying tensions rather than bring the family closer together. In a real way, I see the power of expectation when I meet engaged couple to counsel them before their wedding.
Many marriages succeed or fail based on how couples manage their expectations.
The same can be said about matters of faith. In the coming of Christ, yes we should expect a miracle . But the miracle may not come in the form of a calm and meaningful church service on Christmas Eve, or a quiet and uncontentious family meal or beautifully wrapped and thoroughly appreciated gifts. In all likelihood, it may be much less polished, inspected and shatterproof. Our gift may simply be the assurance that God s long walk with each of us continues.