The prophets had been silent. The Roman Empire laid a heavy toll on the Israelites. Taxation and oppression were crushing their spirits, and their cries to God continued. The angel appeared to the virgin Mary, telling her of God’s grace toward her. She would give birth to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

When God acted, and answered the cries of his people, it certainly didn’t make things easy for Mary or Joseph. Mary humbled herself before the Lord and placed her faith in him. She didn’t have a step-by-step guide to explain the hows and wheres and whens. She simply had to take each next step trusting God.

It’s easy to wonder if God sees us in times of uncertainty when everything seems to be going wrong. Have you felt unnoticed, as if maybe God has forgotten you? You cry to him but still feel as if nothing seems to work out. Where is God? Does he see? Will he act?

This Advent, you do not need to see the answers to honor the Lord. You need only to place your trust in him. Serve others while you wait. Seek the comfort he gives in his Word and through the fellowship of believers.