Expect the Unexpected

Fans of Monty Python will remember the old warning that "nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition."  But this begs the question: what do we expect?

On this Third Sunday of Advent I've been reminded that what we expect to happen and what actually does happen are not always one and the same.  The discrepancy may lead to inconvenience, blessing, frustration, opportunity - or all of the above.  During this season of preparing for the arrival of the Christ child, we would do well to remember that while we think we know what's going to happen on Christmas Eve, we should be prepared for a surprise or two.  After all, we're talking about God incarnate coming into the world.

So remember, while nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition, we can count on the arrival of Emmanuel - but should ready to be surprised by what his arrival will mean for us and the world.

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