John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This lovely medieval Basque carol tells the story of the Angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God. This miraculous news was good news to all humankind…but it must surely have been a shock to Mary. I’ve tried to imagine how I would have responded if I, as a teenage girl, had a visit from an angel with flaming eyes and a piece of news like that. 

I don’t think I would have showed the same aplomb.

“To me, be as it pleaseth God” Mary said, in the words of this hymn.  “My soul shall laud and magnify His Holy name”

We have to assume that God gave Mary the composure to respond in this way. We’re not likely to be called upon to make polite conversation with Gabriel, but we are called upon to deal with news that we find shocking, distressing, or exciting. Sometimes it involves actions and understandings on our part that will not be easy for us or comfortable.

Whether we perceive them as good news or bad news, surprises like these can be tough to navigate. We probably should always respond with “To me, be as it pleaseth God,” but I usually find myself casting about for a solution that I can carry out on my own. 

During this busy season, let us welcome surprises and remember that God loves the world He made. Let us pray to God for the wisdom and the serenity to say, “To me, be as it pleaseth God. ”

Rebecca Haden