The seasons of Advent and Christmas create a space in our lives for wonder and mystery that leads to anticipation and joy. They do this in light of the Gospels that describe both the Incarnation of God in Jesus and Mary’s willingness to bear the Son of God. How comfortable or welcoming we are to this mystery and wonder depends on our willingness to ponder the unknown.

When I sit still and revere these surprises of creation, my ponderings direct me toward the sacred. The more time I spend contemplating the movements and beauty of the hummingbird, for example, the more that I wonder about it. Wonder leads to a desire to know more. The more I know, the stronger connection I feel to the Creator of all things. My amazement at the hummingbird leads to more amazement at God. Sometimes, my sense of wonder and awe overwhelms and renders me speechless, as with the incredibly detailed transmissions from deep space recently shared by NASA.

How can we embrace our weaknesses in order to humbly accept who we are and hold the world in wonder? Against the travails of hiking, St. Paul offers some insight to help us overcome our perfectionism and rely on God’s grace.