When Mary said "Yes" to carrying God's child, she probably expected a home-birth in her comfortable house in Nazareth. She could not have know that the Emperor was preparing a decree that would require travel. Her son would be born in a stable and laid in a manger. None of us knew what we were in for when 2020 rolled around. Yet Mary knew that God was with her. And if she had any doubt, she only had to rub her belly.
God has been with you all through covid. God has heard every prayer you ever prayed. Sometimes we doubt he is listening when we don't see exactly what we prayed for. We were praying for an end to covid and we got a quarantine instead! But God only answers prayers two ways:
1. Yes
2. I have a better idea.
So if you didn't see exactly what you prayed for, you can be confident that God is giving you something even better. We know that we have experienced many blessings in the midst of this year's challenges.
God didn't just want to give you a little something: a little peace, a little love, a little joy, a little hope. He wanted to give you everything! So he wrapped up his Son Jesus in swaddling clothes. Many people will leave Jesus behind in church because they weren't expecting a baby. But a few will welcome him into their homes and into their hearts. They will discover that Jesus brings with him all the peace, all the joy, all the love, and all the hope that they have been longing for. And they will become a light for others in a world full of darkness.
Welcome the Baby tonight with open arms!
(25 Dec 2020)
Going Deeper: Name some blessings you experienced this year that you wouldn't have experienced without covid cancellations. How has the Baby Jesus entered your home.