Second Sunday of Advent

During my wife’s pregnancy we took time to prepare in great detail for the birth of our first daughter. We devoted time to choosing her name, the nursery decor and the baby clothes. We wanted to be sure to record every detail of her birth.

After seven and a half months of peaceful pregnancy, however, the doctor discovered a problem. We were rushed to the hospital. Maria Eduarda was born a few hours later and taken to the intensive care unit. And while still in the delivery room, my wife and I were told that our daughter had Down’s syndrome. Our dreams and preparations were rocked. We grieved the loss of our idealised baby.

The days in the intensive care unit were hard. In the midst of our anxiety and suffering we called out to God, and he answered our prayers. Today Maria Eduarda is healthy—delighting everyone with her charisma, wit and strength.

When things don’t turn out the way we plan, we can become frustrated and scared. But if we devote ourselves to living faithfully, acknowledging that God is with us, we will be uplifted and strengthened. God’s care for us is real and everlasting in any circumstance life brings.

Prayer: Loving Father, forgive us when we feel the need to be in control and forget that you are guiding our way. Thank you for caring for us during troubling times. Amen