Today’s readings speak of God’s power to transform barrenness into blessing. In the first reading, a woman unable to bear children receives a promise from the angel: ‘You are sterile, but you will conceive.’ Similarly, in the Gospel reading, Elizabeth: long considered barren; conceives John the Baptist. God works in impossible circumstances. We too face our own “barren places”: struggles, unanswered prayers, spiritual dryness, or seasons of disappointment. Advent is a season of hopeful waiting. Waiting shapes us, uproots what is not of God, and prepares us for his greater plan. We can respond in two ways: either sink into self-reliance, or shift toward God-dependence. Purposeful waiting means saying “yes” to God even when his plan feels hidden. God molds us, using our struggles to bring encouragement, and hope to others. True joy is born when we praise God, trusting his promises before they are fulfilled. Over time, what once felt barren becomes a testimony of his faithfulness and blessing.

Abba Father, in my seasons of barrenness and waiting, help me to trust your plan. Amen.