​There's a devotional book upon which this blog is loosely based. It's from the Book of Faith series by Augsburg Fortress entitled "Advent Reflections: I Wonder As I Wander."

That's about where the similarities end. Last week the book called us to "Wonder about Hope," and this week welcomes us to "Wonder about Love." This week's texts for Advent Days 8 and 9 in some ways remind me of a family moment this past week...teaching each other how to play chess.

The first scripture reading is from Mary's "Magnificat" in Luke 1:52-53: "He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty."

The second reading is from John the Baptist according to Luke chapter 3: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

I know there's a lot going on here. All people are addressed, especially those who are mighty (Kings/Queens - to be humbled) and the everyday/overlooked people (pawns - to be lifted up.) Seismic "acts of God" with mountains and such could be literal or figurative, affecting our every move and mood. The mystery, mercy and justice of God are all at play, and they deserve our reverence and respect.

But this time, for me, the image of two kings and a knight as only pieces left standing (on a chess board) tell the final act of a match filled with emotion, promotion and colorful humbling and learning - of self, of life, and everything in between. Two amateur chess players square off for the first time. Two lives cross, and God changes the dynamic. The wondering is how we will welcome God's powerful grace and justice. Will we be changed? Is love part of this journey, or is our dance mere strategy and gamesmanship?

I can't speak for chess mastery, but I can speak for the feeling of two people who can love regardless of life's stalemates (and checkmates.) We weren't sent here to win. We were sent here to be in relationship. And love incarnate is coming soon, to teach us something new about doing just that.