Unexpected & Mysterious

Unexpected and mysterious is the gentle word of grace.
Ever-loving and sustaining is the peace of God’s embrace.
If we falter in our courage and we doubt what we have known,
God is faithful to console us as a mother tends her own.

With these lyrics, Jeannette Lindholm begins her advent hymn “Unexpected and Mysterious,” and it has been chosen for the St. John’s Advent Theme 2009. Colleague Steve Churchill writes: “I dare say we need no more adjectives (unexpected and mysterious) for this Advent season, to alert us to the kind of God now poised to re-enter the world. Expect the unexpected. Await the mysterious.”

What is more unexpected than the coming of a baby? Even with modern technology and sonograms and fixed “due dates,” the actual arrival is a surprise. But even more unexpected is God choosing to become incarnate, and coming as a helpless, tiny baby, swaddled in cloth and held tenderly by mother and father.

Of a momentary meeting of eternity and time,
Many learned that she would carry both the mortal and divine.
Then she learned of God’s compassion, of Elizabeth’s great joy,
And she ran to greet the woman who would recognize her boy.

The mysterious ways of God are not only seen in the vast expanding cosmos or the complexities of sub-atomic particles. The mysterious ways of God are also found in the ordinary events of two pregnant cousins meeting. The mysterious ways of God are experienced in a shared tear with a friend, a generous act for a stranger, a forgiveness undeserved. Though Advent is often a season of preparation, we might do well not to over-prepare. Jewish theologian Abraham Heschel counsels, “Part company with preconceived notions, suppress your leaning to reiterate and to know in advance of your seeing, try to see the world for the first time with eyes not dimmed by memory…”

We are called to ponder mystery and awaiting the coming Christ,
To embody God’s compassion for each fragile human life.
God is with us in our longing, to bring healing to the earth,
While we watch with joy and wonder for the promised Savior’s birth.

During Advent, we celebrate the wonder of the God who comes again wrapped in mysterious unexpectedness. When you’re struck by that wonder, do not try to understand, rationalize or categorize it. Let us, together, be embraced by the gifts of God this glorious season of Advent.

Pastor Scot Sorensen


Unexpected and Mysterious: Text © 2002, Jeannette M. Lindholm, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music © 1977, Calvin Hampton, GIA Publications. Reprinted with permission. OneLicense.net #A-715436.